02/10/2010
Last year was a tough one for businesses and individuals alike, but Rappahannock Goodwill managed to have one of its best years ever in a number of areas. For example, Goodwill’s three Job Help Centers responded to the demands of an economic recession by serving 669 people, up from 363 people in 2008. And overall, Goodwill served more than 2,500 people in 2009, compared to 2,372 people the previous year.
Goodwill also had a big increase in the number of people it employs in its business lines. The commercial laundry facility won a new contract with George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., which created 15 new jobs. In addition, RGI began providing custodial services at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County and hired seven more people for custodial crews that work at the FBI Academy facilities at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Prince William County. In all, Goodwill had 376 hourly employees in 2009, up from 344 in 2008 and 309 in 2007.
Some of the most important accomplishments last year came in how the stores operate, and how donated goods are collected. The retail stores have reorganized how merchandise is displayed. Clothing is now sorted by size, instead of color, making it easier for shoppers to find what they want.
Donated goods that arrive at the eight retail stores move quickly – 15 minutes or less – into the stores. That means shoppers can expect a steady flow of new items no matter when they’re in the store.
Goodwill added four new Attended Donation Centers last year and will keep adding more in 2010. Goodwill President and CEO Woody Van Valkenburgh says the centers help decide where a new retail store might open. ÒThey are test sites for potential stores, because we’ll establish stores in places people where we have a good stream of donated goods,Ó he says. ÒPeople will donate where it’s convenient.Ó
For more information, contact Rappahannock Goodwill Industries at 540-371-3070.
Highlights of 2009
Here are some of Rappahannock Goodwill’s achievements in 2009
•Served more than 2,500 people
•Helped 669 at Goodwill’s Job Help Centers
•New contracts at the commercial laundry operation resulted in adding 15 jobs.
•More than a dozen work crews in the community, including a new custodial crew at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County
•Earned a “green” certification for cleaning processes at the DEA Training Academy
•Opened four Attended Donation Centers
•Conducted five neighborhood donation drives