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Goodwill Temporarily Closes Retail Locations in Response to COVID-19

Colorado Springs, Colo., March 24, 2020 — Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado and Goodwill Industries of Denver, which merged in 2019, announced that effective today, March 24, all Goodwill retail stores and non-store donation centers in the state will temporarily close until Monday, April 6, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To prevent the unsafe conditions that arise when donations are left at unattended sites, Goodwill’s in-store donation centers will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. All items will be placed into quarantine for a minimum of 72 hours and Goodwill is taking extra precautions to protect its donors and employees. Goodwill’s e-commerce website, PickGoodwill.com, which lists thousands of items for purchase, will also remain open.

“This is an unprecedented challenge for everyone, including the thousands of Coloradans living within the communities we serve,” says Karla Grazier, Goodwill of Colorado’s President & CEO. “The health and safety of all Goodwill employees, shoppers, donors and volunteers continues to be a top priority.”

After implementing increased cleaning procedures and reducing hours, this is the latest measure the Colorado nonprofit organization has taken in response to the increasing cases of coronavirus in the state.

Grazier added that Goodwill is constantly monitoring this quickly changing situation and will make any other appropriate adjustments as it develops. “We continue to consult the latest recommendations from our federal, state, and local governments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), as well as our partner Goodwill organizations across the country. We are practicing social distancing for all Goodwill employees and are taking all necessary steps to help prevent the spread of illness, like frequently washing our hands, and staying home if we feel ill. Additionally, we’ve cancelled or postponed large gatherings and meetings, and adjusted work accommodations whenever possible.”

Goodwill remains committed to serving and assisting its program participants and employees throughout this crisis. While some programs have temporarily closed to align with CDC recommendations, many Goodwill programs are classified as “essential” and part of the government’s “Critical Infrastructure Industry,” meaning that continuing operations is mandated, critical and promotes our nation’s ability to effectively combat this virus. Goodwill’s Fresh Start Commercial Laundry, for example, will remain fully operational, providing services for entities like VA Clinics in Wyoming and throughout the Front Range and Evans Army Community Hospital.

“We are proud to play a valuable role in ensuring the future vitality of our community,” says Grazier. Below is a list of the mission-critical Goodwill services that remain open. Additional details are available at DiscoverMyGoodwill.org and GoodwillDenver.org.Business solutions

  • Fresh Start Laundry
  • Document Imaging Services
  • Custodial services for the US Air Force Academy, Schriever Air Force Base, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs Utilities, the Department of Transportation in Pueblo, and the Colorado Department of Transportation in Denver and Golden
  • Fresh Start Vehicle Maintenance (commercial vehicles critical to other non-profit agency needs)

Individuals with rehabilitation needs, critical life-sustaining medical transportation needs or developmental disabilities

  • Your Life Your Way
  • Residential Services
  • Community Transportation (GoodWheels)

Seniors, veterans and individuals with economic challenges who are looking for work or seeking to improve their careers (many of these services can be provided remotely)

  • Goodwill Staffing Services
  • IT Training (LIFT)
  • Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
  • Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program (CW STEP)
  • ReHire Colorado
  • BankWork$
  • Employment First
  • Statewide Employment Support & Job Retention
  • AgrAbility
  • Child Care Licensing
  • ESL Training
  • Goodwill Paths to Success (GPS)

Grazier adds that Goodwill is looking at other ways to drive their mission forward. “We have reached out to our partners in our local and state governments and the federal government has asked for help with transportation and laundry needs.”

Goodwill encourages people to monitor their websites at GoodwillDenver.org and DiscoverMyGoodwill.org for the most updated information.

About Goodwill of Colorado

Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado and Goodwill Industries of Denver (collectively known as Goodwill of Colorado) provides career development resources for more than 100,000 Coloradans with disadvantages each year—including military veterans, seniors, youth, and individuals with developmental and economic challenges. Through its thrift retail operations, donations, corporate partnerships and recycling processes, Goodwill has worked for more than a century in Colorado to ensure individuals have access to career and life pathways that allow them to live to their fullest potential. Visit DiscoverMyGoodwill.org and GoodwillDenver.org to learn more. 

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