Goodwill To Temporarily Close Retail Stores, Donation Centers & On-Site Programs

AKRON, Ohio — March 23, 2020 — Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties closed retail store locations, attended donation centers and onsite programs at the close of business on Friday, March 20, and today will completely close at the end of business on March 23, 2020, in response to the orders of the Governor in regard to coronavirus and will remain closed until conditions allow for their reopening.

“It’s hard to navigate the unknown, but as we continue to better understand how to slow the spread of COVID-19, we want to do all we can to keep our customers, employees, program participants and local communities safe,” said Nancy Ellis McClenaghan, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties.  “We have made some tough decisions, which has sadly reduced the need for team members at our locations. This has been a difficult process and this situation is being very closely monitored to determine when we can return to normal operation of our stores and on-site programs.  In the meantime, if community members can support us financial donations are greatly appreciated.”

During this time, employees affected will be paid for hours scheduled through March 28 and for remaining vacation through April 2. After that time, team members are encouraged to file for unemployment.

The agency will report further updates on its website at www.goodwillakron.org.

About Goodwill Industries Serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland & Richland Counties
The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland, the agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and business services division. For more information about GIA, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.     

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Contact:    Jennifer Bako
                  (330) 786-2519
                   jbako@goodwillakron.org