## Goodwill of Orange County ##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOODWILL OPENS NEW STORE IN LA HABRA
Eager Shoppers Wait for Doors to Open!

(September 21, 2009- La Habra, CA) On Friday, September 18, 2009 Goodwill of Orange County celebrated the grand opening of its 20th retail store at 2050 W. La Habra Boulevard in La Habra. Located on La Habra and Beach Boulevard across from Costco, this new site went through a major renovation before its grand opening. The event was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony amid a long line of eager shoppers waiting for the doors to open. Regional business leaders, city and chamber officials and a number of Goodwill executives were on hand to help celebrate the momentous occasion.

According to Anne Martin, Vice President, Operations and Sales for Goodwill Orange County, despite a downturn in the economy Goodwill of Orange County is optimistic about the new store. This increase supports Goodwill’s mission to provide employment opportunities as well as enhancing its programs and services.

“Goodwill stores are widely known as terrific places to buy, but the gift cards for the first 100 shoppers were certainly a motivating force in getting people up. At 7:30 this morning the line was already wrapping around the building. I think shoppers were pleasantly surprised to see that Goodwill Stores are modeled after discount anchor retail stores,” said Martin. “We are encouraged by the number of people who turned out today as well as the volume of donations we received at this store over the past several weeks.”

Sophisticated merchandising and bargain prices on clothing, furniture and housewares, thrilled bargain hunters who welcomed Goodwill to the neighborhood. One shopper noted, “The quality and quantity of the merchandise brought us in and we are able to stretch our hard-earned dollars farther now.”

Goodwill of Orange County, now in its 85th year, has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment. The nonprofit organization’s programs assist individuals with work and social abilities, cultural and language skills and to help them succeed at home, at school and in the workplace.

For more information about Goodwill stores and 30 donation centers located throughout the county or Goodwill of Orange County’s education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Katherine Ransom, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or katheriner@ocgoodwill.org. Information may also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org.

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