DL Opinion columns

Celebrate Goodwill Industries Day! – by Deborah Levine

originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press

The Grand Opening of the new East Ridge Goodwill facility on February 26 was a reminder that despite the raging anger, grief and bloodshed in a world now at war, there is also kindness, generosity and courage. With a packed parking lot, the line waiting to enter Goodwill at 8:30am on a rainy day extended around the building and beyond. Young, elderly and diverse, the folks in line looked happy and excited to be at the opening and eager to get goods at this huge new location which filled the Food City on Ringgold Road that had been empty for almost 6 years.

Goodwill was founded more than a century ago by Rev. Edgar Helms who described it as “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise…a provider of employment, training and rehabilitation for people of limited employability, and a source of temporary assistance for individuals whose resources were depleted.” According to Goodwill Industries, more than 85 cents of each dollar from purchases goes towards helping people transform potential into opportunity. An additional section of the East Ridge Goodwill is planned to help people with disadvantages find employment and earn a family-sustaining wage.

As East Ridge residents, my family has donated household items for decades at the old Goodwill store on South Terrace. In January, when my hubby and I dropped off some stuff, it had been transformed into an Attended Donation Center. We were amused that the manager called us a ‘cute couple’ – Goodwill staff are super people oriented. 

The newly trained East Ridge staff were eager to greet folks waiting in line, but first,  

 they piled up inside, ready for the official kick-off celebration. I peeked in and was invited to join the crowd inside by my colleague, Cameron McAllister, Administrator of Economic & Community Development. We waited with other officials of the City of East Ridge for the opening declaration. 

Stepping up to the microphone to make that declaration was the Vice President of Member & Investor Services at The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. I hadn’t expected the Chamber to give the opening remarks, and certainly hadn’t expected that the VP presenter would be  my long-time friend, Ben Cairns. Years ago, Ben and I served as officials for the local chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). 

Developing goodwill in the workplace has always been our passion, as it is for both the Chamber and Goodwill as noted in the proclamation that Ben read to the crowd.   

“…WHEREAS, Goodwill Industries of The Greater Chattanooga Area has aided in job and economic growth in our wonderful community; and … has committed to help the Chamber achieve its mission to create a vibrant business environment through leadership that stimulates new business development and existing business growth, resulting in a higher standard of living and a better quality of life for the community; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles Wood, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, do hereby proclaim February 26, 2026 as Goodwill Industries of The Greater Chattanooga Area Day!

Ben then inspired me with a huge hug. So about an hour after the opening, I came back with several bags of household goods to donate. By then, the aisles were filled with customers and smiling employees wearing the Goodwill branded blue polo shirts. Suddenly two of the employees broke into a dance, twirling and swirling together, laughing all the way. I did a silly little dance myself and we all laughed together. This happy memory is much needed now, and so is the passion for goodwill.  It’s time to go donate!

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