E.B. Goodwill adds drive-up

EAST BRUNSWICK - Goodwill Industries has added a drive-up donation center at its township store and has partnered with The Arc of Middlesex to handle the expected increase in volume.

The nonprofit store, which is located in the Village Green Shopping Center at Route 18 and West Ferris Street, has placed a drop-off station at the side of the store on an access road next to the main shopping center entrance. It is attended and open during store hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Tax receipts for donations in good condition will be supplied upon request.

Goodwill entered into a partnership with The Arc of Middlesex County, whose clients are working part time at the store, putting donated clothing on hangers. They will be accompanied by a job counselor and receive retail work training.

Goodwill and Arc are both nonprofits that offer vocational services to people with disabilities. Goodwill began work in New Jersey in 1919 in Hudson County and has its regional program center in Harrison. Arc was established in Middlesex County in 1949 and has its headquarters in South Brunswick.

Goodwill stores offer a variety of new and "gently used" clothing, shoes, accessories, household items and toys. Proceeds from sales are used to fund Goodwill programs, which serve more than 110,000 people a year.

Goodwill stores serve as training grounds for people with disabilities and disadvantages. In northern New Jersey, the nonprofit human services organization provides employment services to people with disabilities and disadvantages, offering vocational evaluation, work adjustment training, work experience, job placements, job coaching, and special programs for people who are deaf, blind and visually impaired.