By now I’m sure you’ve all heard that all the local Goodwill stores have closed.  It’s an upsetting situation for all of the employees who are suddenly out of work and may not be getting paid anytime soon.

As I read the different news stories about the closure and notice the photographs of all the clothing and household items being piled up outside of the stores, I became puzzled as to why things were still being dropped off.  Don’t people realize there are other options for their gently used items?

I can’t speak for other communities, although I’m sure they have similar organizations, but in the City of Barrie there are many options.  You can call Cerebral Palsy or Canadian Diabetes Association will happily come to your door and pick up gently used clothing and household items.  If you have larger pieces of furniture, old doors, sinks etc you could call the Re-Store/Habitat for Humanity.  You can arrange for them to pick your items up or you can drop them off, and then go shopping for a great deal for yourself!

There are other places in Barrie that will happily accept used clothing.  Places like the Salvation Army, David Busby Centre, and Off The Rack are always looking for items to help those in need.

I hope that Goodwill is able to get back on track soon and that their employees find employment quickly.  But let’s turn one closed door into an open door for people who need our help!

We always enjoy getting your feedback.  You can reach John Weber at John@JohnWeberTeam.com or by cell at 705-727-6111.  You can reach Christie Bond at Christie@JohnWeberTeam.com or by cell at 705-220-1152.