By Rick Howlett
Louisville, KY – Goodwill industries of Kentucky officials say 2010 was an eventful year for the non-profit organization. Job placements for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment grew by 24 percent during the fiscal year that ended in June. Spokesperson Heather Hise says more people sought help in the still struggling economy while others were drawn to new job training programs created this year. Hise says 2010 also saw a shift among shoppers at Goodwill's Kentucky thrift stores.
"A lot of our regular shoppers aren't able to spend as much as they normally do,
but at the same time it's been balanced out by a whole new group of shoppers
who maybe never tried goodwill before, but all of a sudden are finding reasons
to cut corners and save a few bucks."
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky operates 58 donation and retail centers in 38 counties.