A company that strives to help people facing barriers to independence is getting more business these days. A number of Goodwill stores in Iowa are reporting increased sales as the economy worsens. Sonny Kellen works for Goodwill in Sioux City and says more people are looking to save a few dollars by shopping at Goodwill stores for slightly used items.
Kellen says regional sales have increased since October as more and more people search for bargains. "There’s quality in the isles…and when you shop at Goodwill, it’s for a good cause," Kellen said. The clothing and household goods donated to Goodwill are sold in retail stores and on Goodwill’s Internet auction site . Roughly 84% of Goodwill’s revenues are used to fund a number of community programs.
"If you’re a bargain hunter, you want to come in to Goodwill," Kellen said. "It’s a new store everyday because we constantly restock our stores. That’s because of the donors that step forward and come to our donation doors and drop off their items that are gently used, so we can resell them for the mission of Goodwill."