VIDEO: Fort Oglethorpe Goodwill Grand Opening

Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area celebrated the grand opening of its newest store and donation center in Fort Oglethorpe with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6. The new location, at 1873 Battlefield Parkway in the Battlefield Centre shopping center next to Planet Fitness, includes a Goodwill store and a Donation Xpress Center.

 

The existing Goodwill store and donation center located at 516 Battlefield Parkway, near Big Lots in Fort Oglethorpe, remains open. The local nonprofit operates 16 stores and three Goodwill Opportunity Centers in the region. Their three Goodwill Opportunity Centers, two in Chattanooga and one in Dalton, provide career search and employment-readiness assistance at no charge to the community.

 

The store’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Goodwill accepts donations during regular store hours.

 

“At Goodwill, we don’t just see the clothing and household items that are donated to our organization; we see the potential they bring,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area. “For over 100 years, Goodwill has helped people transform their potential into opportunity through education, training, and employment.”

 

Those interested in learning about Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area can find more information at goodwillchatt.org.

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“I identify with Goodwill’s guiding principle that says, ‘Every time we touch a donation, something good should happen,’” said Katie, Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator. For Katie, this “something good” is reflected not only in her own career growth, but in the success of the Goodwill team members she now trains. Before working at Goodwill, Katie earned a degree in animal science and worked in several industries, including food services. After she and her family moved from Kentucky to the Chattanooga area, she stayed at home to care for her two children for several years. When she decided to return to the workforce, she faced a familiar challenge that many caregivers encounter: a gap in employment and uncertainty about where to begin. “My mom is a store associate at a Goodwill in Kentucky, and she told me about all the wonderful opportunities there,” said Katie. “I thought since it is such a great thing, maybe I could be a part of it too.” Katie applied for a position at the Goodwill store and donation center in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Recognizing her potential, Christy, the Director of Retail Operations, offered her a shift lead position with clear opportunities for growth. Later, Katie was promoted to Assistant Manager and then she was promoted to the Store Manager position at our new, much larger Fort Oglethorpe store. While enjoying store leadership, Katie found herself drawn back to a skill she discovered earlier in her career, training others. “When I worked in food services, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and helping people grow. When I saw the Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator job posting, it was truly an ‘aha’ moment.” Katie now serves as our Learning and Development Training Coordinator and says the role feels like a perfect fit. She shared, “I’ve found my passion again.”  When you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re doing more than decluttering or finding a great deal; you’re investing in people like Katie. Your support fuels career pathways and leadership development right here in our community. Our mission is to help people transform potential into opportunity, and our vision is a community where everyone can thrive. It’s more than Goodwill; it’s good work.
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