Community Corner
Manchester Residents Share Their 'Good Will' in Spite of Heat
The Arch 106.5 radio station and Chick-fil-A gave away food coupons and prizes to residents donating to Goodwill's Manchester location.
From noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, representatives from 106.5 The Arch radio station and Chick-fil-A greeted donors and customers at store with music, prices, games and a coupon for a free chicken sandwich. The event was part of MERS Goodwill’s campaign throughout the month of July. Every Tuesday and Wednesday residents donating at any Goodwill store receive a coupon for a free chicken sandwich.
Joy Seltzer, account manager for 106.5 The Arch, said the event is aimed at increasing the amount of donations at Goodwill, which can be low during the summer because of heat.
“You get one of the most delicious chicken sandwiches in town, you get to donate and help others and then look around for little treasures,” Seltzer said.
Davina Horton, head of promotions for The Arch, said the heat did not seem to have deterred others from donating.
“If you are worried about the heat, it’s cool in here,” Horton said. “Don't let that stop you from coming.”
Manchester resident Sina Karimi, who is assistant manager at the Manchester Goodwill store, has worked there for four years. He said Goodwill has given him the chance to advance in his job, starting as a cashier and now as assistant manager.
Karimi said the donations continue Goodwill’s mission of helping others.
“It's all about helping people,” Karimi said. “When they donate their stuff, they are not only helping other people who cannot really afford new stuff, when you donate your stuff, really you are helping your friends, your neighbor.”
By the end of the events, employees at the Manchester Goodwill store had to clear shelves in the backroom because of the amount of donations.
“But we keep getting more and more. We like it. That's our job,” Karimi said.
The Chick-fil-A promotion will continue at all Goodwill stores through the month of July. Here is a list of items accepted by the store:
- Clothing, shoes and boots
- Computers and cellphones
- Jewelry
- Hats, gloves, mittens and scarves
- Books, records, compact disks, video tapes and DVDs
- Games, toys and sports equipment
- Housewares: dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, lamps, and small appliances, including microwaves
- Collectibles, antiques and giftware
- Hand tools and small power tools, etc.
- Domestics: linens, curtains, blankets, etc.
- TVs, stereos, radios, VCRs, etc.
- Furniture: dressers, tables, sofas bed frames, except water bed frames