Goodwill Marketplace Reaches $7 Million Mark-- One Pound At A Time

Click here to see Telemundo's coverage of Goodwill of Orange County's Marketplace (Spanish-only.)

(SANTA ANA, January 23, 2009) Despite of--or because of the economic downturn, Goodwill of Orange County's Marketplace reached a record $7 million high by the end of 2008. With auctions held daily, six days a week, people from all walks of life gather in the spacious 18,500 square foot building at 2722 Fifth Street in Santa Ana to bid on a wide selection of merchandise and browse for items sold by the pound. Items range from clothing and shoes to books and household goods.

While the auctions are open to the public, the majority of the buyers are so loyal that many attend several auctions per week. Leading the charge is Leonel Barragan, a 38-year employee of Goodwill of Orange County whose bi-lingual skills and commanding presence helped grow the business from $297,000 in 1977 to today's record-breaking goal. In the staging area forklifts deliver pallets, boxes and steel cages laden with shrink-wrapped TV's, dresses, t-shirts, handbags, jeans, dolls, brand name sporting equipment and a wide assortment of toys that take center stage among the daily throng of shoppers.

"People come here for treasures and daily essentials for their families. It's fast paced, energetic and every day is different," says Barragan. "Many of the shoppers buy the items for their own use or to sell at swap meets throughout the region. Everyone wins in this venue, including the programs that Goodwill supports including employment for people with disabilities or other barriers."

According to President & CEO, Goodwill of Orange County, Dan Rogers explains that the revenue generated though Goodwill's 19 retail stores (including shopgoodwill.com), as well as its numerous business solutions and financial contributions, is critical to fueling the organization's mission. "Goodwill brings the power and dignity of work to low-income individuals who otherwise face significant barriers to employment, such as long-term welfare dependence, a physical or mental disability, homelessness, substance abuse, or limited English skills."

Goodwill of Orange County has 18 retail stores plus shopgoodwill.com, its online store. For a complete listing of stores and attended donation centers, along with more information about the Goodwill Marketplace log onto www.ocgoodwill.org.

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