Goodwill opening new locations in Frankfort, Morris

FRANKFORT — Goodwill stores are expanding in Will and Grundy counties and company leaders say it’s the result of donor efforts.

A Goodwill store will open in Frankfort on Friday on LaGrange Road in a spot that once housed a Dominick’s grocery store. In Morris, a Goodwill store will open in the next several weeks in an area north of the Wal-Mart store, said Morris Mayor Richard Kopczick.

The opening of the new stores represents recent growth for Goodwill, which provides employment and supportive services for people with disabilities, according to its website. Last year, Goodwill provided services to more than 53,000 people with disabilities.

More than 5,700 employees work for the company in more than 90 locations throughout the Chicago area and southeastern Wisconsin.

Illinois has seen five stores open every year over the last six years, said Cheryl Lightholder, Goodwill spokeswoman. The company plans to open a location in Romeoville, too. She credits donor support.

“It’s the donors who have been gracious in the areas we have our stores,” Lightholder said.

Goodwill stores develop relationships with local nonprofit organizations that support the stores, she said. The stores always encourage people to donate items and shop.

Opening stores in new areas such as Frankfort allows Goodwill to have a more dynamic inventory of items for sale, Lightholder said.

The Frankfort location will have nearly 13,000 square feet for the sales floor and more than 20,300 square feet for the entire store, she said. As is typical with other Goodwill stores, the Frankfort spot will have 40 to 50 staff members, Lightholder said.

The Morris location will open in several weeks and will be another positive source of retail for the city, said Kopczick. The location will be run under the Northern Illinois branch of Goodwill stores.

In March, city officials approved plans for the new store, which will be 16,000 square feet.

Kopczick said many residents look forward to its opening.

“I know in speaking with the developer that he has been looking at Morris for a long time and finally things fell into place,” Kopczick said.