Local Goodwill supports Northeast Iowa

Goodwill staff Linda Easler, Julie Reicks, Michael Dowden and Nancy Dieter

(decorahnews.com reporter Becky Vande Lune is doing a three-part series on shopping for Christmas presents at local thrift stores)

Goodwill's mission statement is "to help people overcome barriers to independence." The Decorah store employs 10 employees.  Four of those have been with the store since it opened on June 28th, 2007.

December is a busy month for Goodwill. Seasonal and Christmas decorations are popular items. Many Christmas trees have also been sold this year. There are still many seasonal items to choose from, as well as clothing, videos, books and brand new goods. Store manager Nancy Dieter has seen several grandparents bring their grandchildren to the store to do some affordable Christmas shopping.

Goodwill appreciates all the donations it receives and gives back to Northeast Iowa in various ways.  This fall Goodwill opened a home in Waterloo for homeless veterans to live in.  Goodwill helps them find a job and get job training.  They also provide job training for persons with disabilities and other disadvantages.

Goodwill does recycle computers, copiers and keyboards--anything that plugs into a computer.  Other items that might be too used or too worn for resell, can be recycled by Goodwill. This includes glassware, cords, belts, bags, purses, hard or soft toys, hats, metals, shoes, books, clothing and cardboard.

Goodwill is happy to schedule a classroom tour for any schools. Call (563) 382-6146 and ask for Nancy.

When Decorah Schools cancel for a snow day, Goodwill offers a $1 sale, everything in the store is $1, except for furniture and new goods. The next scheduled $1 sale will be Friday, December 30th.

Another local tradition involves the Luther wrestling team, which has a run each year from Luther to Goodwill.  Each wrestler chooses clothing to purchase and wear.  The wrestlers take a photo showing them posing in their purchases in front of the store, then send it to Goodwill after the run is over. The picture is proudly displayed in the Goodwill Decorah break room.

Local store hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  You can also visit www.shopgoodwill.com for internet shopping. Every Goodwill store sends items to stock the online store.

Luther wrestlers sent this photo to Goodwill after their annual trip to the store