Lemont Goodwill Store is Now Open

A brand-new Goodwill retail and donation center is now open at 1146 State Street – and judging from the response from customers its very first day, the business is on the road to success.

The store opened at 8 a.m. Friday to much fanfare – with throngs of customers waiting to shop for bargains and take advantage of the Goodwill’s grand-opening contests, refreshments and prizes.

On Saturday, festivities will include free refreshments and a free reusable shopping bag with any purchase, while supplies last; prize giveaways every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon, and a special prize for both the first customer and first donor of the day. The store will open at 9 a.m.

On Sunday, customers will receive a free reusable shopping bag with any purchase, while supplies last, and the first customer and first donor of the day will win a special prize. The store will open at 10 a.m.

All weekend, customer can enter to win a gift basket with items autographed by Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp, as well as a $25 Goodwill gift card.

Goodwill accepts donations of items such as personal computers, TVs and other electronics; clothing, shoes and boots; jewelry, hats, gloves and mittens; books, records, CDs, videotapes and DVDs; games, toys and sports equipment; housewares such as dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, lamps and small appliances; collectibles, hand tools, linens, furniture and more.

With fresh inventory arriving hourly, shoppers can find gently-used – and sometimes even brand-new – items at bargain prices.

Those who wish to drop off donations may enter the drive-thru donation center on the south end of the building off Wend Street. The donation center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 pm.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For a detailed list of items acceptable for donation, click here.

According to Goodwill's website, 84 percent of revenue from all retail centers go toward the company's mission of providing training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages.

The company also offers vouchers and discounts at its retail centers for those in need through the "Goodwill Cares" program. In Lemont, the local partners are the Hope and Friendship Foundation and .

The Goodwill store is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.amazinggoodwill.com or call 630-257-5608.

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