“Goodwill will open a new store in Yelm July 7 complete with a ribbon cutting, speeches (including hearing from a Goodwill program participant) besides great values available in the store. Its a pretty exciting event for us,” quoting Matthew Erlich, Media Relations/PR Manager, Tacoma Goodwill Industries.

From the Press Release:
Goodwill adds fourth store in Thurston County
Yelm Goodwill opens July 7 in former grocery store

YELM Goodwill will open its fourth retail location in Thurston County with a grand opening ceremony July 7 for the Yelm Goodwill Store, 906 E. Yelm Ave. The event will take place at 8:45 a.m. at the nearly 25,000-square-foot store.

Goodwill is about providing people that first opportunity or that second chance for a job, said Terry A. Hayes, president and CEO of Tacoma Goodwill, which oversees a 15-county area including Thurston County. Shoppers and donors all support programs that get people work.

The grand opening will take place July 7-10 with chances to win $50 gas cards, $100 Fred Meyer gift cards and iPods. Radio remote broadcasts will take place that Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on KXXO; Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on KMPS; and Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on KNBQ.

Leslie Hodge will be the store manager. She has six years of experience at several Goodwill store locations, besides additional experience with private retailers. She and her husband have been married 24 years and they live in Graham. She will supervise a staff of 25.

What we do in the stores is all about the Goodwill mission, said Hodge. I enjoy being able to help people succeed and feel great about themselves.

The store hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and can be reached by calling 360.400.2400. Other Thurston County locations include stores in Lacey, South Lacey and in Olympia. Architects BCRA and Rushforth Construction planned and renovated the former grocery store. The new store also represents the 28th operated by the agency.

About Tacoma Goodwill
Goodwill is a unique nonprofit business. It turns donations and business revenue into programs that change lives by helping people with disabilities or disadvantages go to work. This year, Tacoma Goodwill Industries will help 9,500 people with education, job training and placement so they can become independent self-supporting citizens. Of these, more than 1,200 people with barriers to employment will be placed in jobs in the community. Programs of Goodwill, founded in 1921, are funded through financial gifts, grants, fees, commercial services and the operation of 27 thrift stores throughout Western and Southcentral Washington. Please visit our website at www.tacomagoodwill.org.