Kansas City, MO, March 20, 2020 – In light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, non-profit and social enterprise Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas has decided to temporarily close our stores and donation centers, effective Saturday, March 21st, until further notice.
This closure includes all fifteen area retail stores, an outlet store, and two donation centers in our territory. In addition to the suspension of retail shopping, donations will no longer be accepted. We encourage the public to visit us once we reopen - as shoppers and donors are crucial in helping fund our employment programs for individuals with barriers to employment, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, youth, and those participating in the Goodwill 180 reentry program.
At the request of our funders and community partners, MOKAN Goodwill’s workforce services will remain open on a limited basis and continue to serve people in need in our local community. Based on the recommendation of state and local officials to limit large gatherings, we have postponed all hiring events and are assisting job seekers through virtual services or on an individual basis.
Our main office, located at 800 E. 18th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, will remain open, where we are taking special precautions to ensure the safety of our staff, including increased frequency of janitorial and cleaning processes, social distancing, hand washing, and encouraging employees who are ill to stay home.
“Our social enterprise is driven by the resell revenue generated by our stores, which in turn provide resources and opportunities for job counseling, training, placement and coaching for thousands of people with barriers to employment in our communities. This makes our decision to close our stores all the more difficult, but necessary to protect the health of our associates, our donors, our customers and our community at this unprecedented time.” said Ed Lada, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern.
MOKAN Goodwill will provide ongoing updates to shoppers and donors about reopening dates for our stores and donation centers via our website at www.mokangoodwill.org and our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
We encourage those who wish to help people in need in our community, particularly during this uniquely challenging time, to visit our website at www.mokangoodwill.org/donate, or text “WORK” to 816-408-3630 where we will gratefully accept your financial support.
About Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
Founded in 1894, MOKAN Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment obtain jobs, essential skills training and personal development opportunities. With 145 retail stores, a retail outlet and two attended donation centers, Goodwill has an annual economic impact of $16.5 million dollars in the Kansas City area.
Learn more at www.mokangoodwill.org. To see all the good we do together, follow us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gregg Hibbeler, Director of Marketing and Communications
816.929.9864
GHibbeler@mokangoodwill.org
