Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago is currently hiring employees for the new retail and donation center set to open in Lemont next month.

The 21,000-square-foot store is tentatively scheduled to open next month in the former Sears Hardware location, 1146 State St.

Goodwill stores sell previously donated items such as clothing, kitchen accessories and more. The garden center in the former Sears will be turned into a donation center for residents to drop off used items.

According to the company's website, the Lemont store is hiring part-time associates who are "dedicated to providing fast, friendly service to customers and donors."

Recruiters will be testing potential employees at the Lemont Public Library, 50 E. Wend St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 27.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.goodwillsew.com.

According to Goodwill's website, 84 percent of revenue from all retail centers go toward its mission of providing training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages. Goodwill also offers vouchers and discounts at its retail centers for those in need.

Ray Divello, a regional manager for Goodwill, said the company looks forward to partnering with organizations in Lemont.

"We're really grateful the community opened its arms to us, and we hope to be good neighbors," he said.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

There are plenty of ways to keep up on Lemont news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take.