Albertsons to host Goodwill drop sites

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 | midnight

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is partnering with Albertsons to place an additional 30 drop-off sites throughout the Las Vegas Valley — an effort beginning Oct. 1.

Goodwill spokesman Rick Carns said the increase in donation sites is needed, because donations to the group are down about 6 percent this year.

"For us to survive in these trying times, we need to make it as convenient as possible for residents to donate items," he said. "In order for Goodwill to fulfill its mission with the demand on our services, we need to sell more product."

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is a nonprofit organization established in 1975 with a mission to educate, train and employ people with disabilities and special needs. Carns said nearly all of its funding is derived from selling goods in Goodwill's thrift stores.

So far this year, the group has served more than 3,000 people and placed 631 in new jobs. Last year, the organization placed 633 — a record, Carns said.

While the group focuses on those with special needs, Carns said, Goodwill is available to help anyone find a job. The group offers a free service to employers of pre-screening and pre-qualifying job applicants, he said.

"We have over 300 corporate partners," Carns said. "We place most employees with other corporations."

Albertsons was selected because its locations exist in high-traffic, high-density areas with higher median incomes, Carns said.

"They are perfectly positioned," he said. "They will give us better quality donations."

Donations can be virtually anything, but the organization does not accept used mattresses, firearms or large appliances like washers and dryers.

With the 30 new locations Carns predicted Goodwill would be able to serve an additional 2,000 people annually, and place an additional 400 in new jobs.

So far, two Albertsons locations are open in Henderson — one at 2910 Bicentennial Parkway and another at 2650 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].