Retail Stores Shorten Hours, Career Centers go Virtual

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut Makes Career Centers Virtual, Shortens Retail Hours

Connecticut nonprofit takes added precautions amidst Coronavirus

Bridgeport, Conn. (March 18, 2020) – As a precautionary measure, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut (GWNC) has announced that it will shorten hours at all of its retail locations effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The new hours of operation will be 10a.m.-6p.m. until further notice. Stores impacted by this change include:

• Avon

• Bloomfield

• Bridgeport

• Bristol

• Brookfield

• Danbury

• Enfield

• Fairfield

• Glastonbury

• Manchester

• Milford

• Monroe

• New Milford

• Newington

• Norwalk

• Oxford

• Shelton

• Stamford (both locations)

• Torrington

• Waterbury

• Westport

“We appreciate the donors who are still taking the time to drop off goods and the customers who are shopping to help support our mission,” Ken Bennett, Vice President of Retail at Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, said. “Shortening our hours will limit exposure for our staff and allow for extra cleaning across our locations so that staff, donors and customers can continue to have a positive experience.”

In addition to shortening hours, GWNC’s retail locations are also asking donors to drop and go. Rather than handing donations directly to a GWNC employee, donors are asked to unload their items in the donation area and take a tax-receipt themselves to reduce direct human contact. “This is another step we are taking to limit exposure for staff and donors alike”, said Bennett.

GWNC is also taking precautionary measures across its career centers, which shifted from in-person to virtual services on March 16, 2020. Its seven career centers – Bridgeport, Enfield, Hartford, Norwalk, Shelton, Torrington, and Waterbury – will be closed until further notice.

“We are taking active measures to keep our teams and clients safe, while continuing to provide the career services people have come to expect,” Melissa Kelly, Vice President of External Affairs at Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, said. “We also realize that job loss is a real concern during this time of social distancing. For anyone looking for work opportunities, to enhance their digital skills, or develop their resumes, we are here to help.”

Individuals can book their virtual career coaching session by visiting our website.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF WESTERN AND NORTHERN CONNECTICUT

Goodwill is a non-profit organization that helps individuals, businesses, and communities come together to support people with disabilities, economic disadvantages, and other barriers to employment. Last year, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut (GWNC) helped 2,766 Connecticut residents find work. And, in 2018, one out of every 275 hires in the US were the result of services provided by Goodwill. Donations of goods and revenue generated from store sales power this mission, with more than 90% reinvested into the programs and services strengthening Connecticut families. GWNC is headquartered in Bridgeport, Conn., and has store, donation, and career center locations around the state. To learn more, visit: www.gwct.org.