DECATUR, GA (May 9, 2020) – On Wednesday, May 13, Goodwill of North Georgia will reopen all remaining locations in its territory and askpeople who wish to donate items to hold their donations for an additional week. With the health and safety of employees and guests as the highest priority, locations will feature new and enhanced safety measures.

Adjusted hours have been set until further notice: Stores will be open from 10 AM – 6 PM, seven days a week and career centers will open from 10 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday. The organization will resume acceptance of donations at stores and attended donation centers on May 18 through a no-contact donation process.

“Goodwill of North Georgia locations are safe places to work and shop. As we reopen the remaining locations in our territory, the health and safety of our team members, customers, donors and jobseekers remains the highest priority,” said Keith Parker, Goodwill of North Georgia president and chief executive officer.  “Our mission to put people to work must continue as the state of Georgia experiences record job losses.”

Location closures began March 23, and Goodwill of North Georgia’s 100-plus locations remained closed for several weeks without a single layoff. During location closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodwill of North Georgia teams conducted deep cleanings and sanitized locations and merchandise using a proven, eco-friendly misting process endorsed by federal health authorities. On May 6, the organization reopened 21 of its 65 stores, as well as four of its 13 career centers as part of a phased reopening strategy.

Per the state of Georgia’s guidelines, anyone that currently has a fever or has experienced any coronavirus symptoms in the previous 24 hours should refrain from entering a Goodwill of North Georgia location. The organization will also strictly adhere to occupancy limits based on each location’s square footage. The number of guests will be monitored and staggered at each location. 

Customers, jobseekers and donors can expect the following, new safety procedures: 

  • Store associates outfitted in personal protective equipment    
  • Guest ambassadors disinfecting cart handles after every use 
  • One-way traffic on each aisle to aid social distancing 
  • Plexi-glass shields installed at open cash registers 
  • Contactless payment available to avoid touching credit card machines 
  • Frequent cleaning of “high-touch” areas    
  • Employees regularly practicing good hygiene 
  • Temporary closure of fitting rooms  
  • Restricted used of restrooms to one guest at a time 
  • Temporary suspension of water fountain usage 
  • Temporary suspension on the sale of jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories  

Thanks to the generosity of the North Georgia community, thousands of new items are on the sales floor ready for the reopening. Each purchase helps to support the organization’s mission to put North Georgians to work. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Goodwill of North Georgia has helped more than 3,000 jobseekers, providing skills training and working with various employers including Amazon, Kroger and Publix to connect them with employment.

For the latest information on Goodwill of North Georgia’s pandemic response, visit goodwillng.org/coronavirus-response.

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About Goodwill of North Georgia

The mission of Goodwill of North Georgia is to put people to work. The nonprofit has provided services in the region for more than 90 years. In fiscal year 2019, Goodwill of North Georgia provided job training and employment services to 51,915 people and helped 25,688 people find jobs or start new businesses. The organization currently operates 65 stores, 52 attended donation centers and 13 career centers. Revenues generated from Goodwill’s retail program help fund job training and placement programs. For more information about Goodwill of North Georgia, visit GoodwillNG.org.