Nonprofit organization converts former South County bank location to bookstore, attended donation center
VENICE, FL – In its continued efforts to make donating and shopping more convenient, Goodwill Manasota has recently opened a new location in Venice, Fla. After purchasing a former bank location and renovating it to meet its retail needs, Goodwill has opened the Albee Farm Bookstore – which includes an attended donation center (ADC) – at 400 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass N. in Venice.
The sales floor space is 1,700 square feet and features rows upon rows of books for all ages and interests. Eight new jobs were created with this opening; the hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
“The community’s support is critical to the work we do: 2,400 donations enable us to create one full-time job,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Donn Githens. “We want to ensure the most pleasant and convenient experience for our generous donors and hope the Albee Farm Bookstore will become a regular stop for community members looking to support a great cause while finding great books to enjoy.”
Revenue from Goodwill's retail stores help fund its Mission Services programs, such as: free Job Connection career services and job placement; the American Veterans and Their Families program, which helps veterans to reintegrate into their communities, families and the workplace; the GoodPartner Coach program, which helps those with barriers to employment through skills training and case management services; and the Supported JobsPlus program, which targets employment for individuals with significant disabilities. Goodwill’s Mission Services helps those with barriers to self-sufficiency to get on the path to career and life success and enjoy the opportunity for a better life.
For more information, including a complete listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org.
PHOTO ID: Goodwill Manasota team members at the new Albee Farm location include (l-r) Tawnya Edwards, Nancy Buono and Debra Monty
Courtesy photo/Goodwill Manasota
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.