Gina Scott / Winonan

The city of Winona gains another business Saturday, April 30 as Goodwill holds its grand opening. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with all-day refreshments, gift card giveaways and storewide savings starting at 8:45 a.m., with the store officially opening at 9 a.m.

Goodwill is an American nonprofit organization that provides communities with slightly used items at low cost.

Located on Gilmore Avenue, the store will serve as easy access to students on west campus, and a short drive for students on main campus.

Students are excited for the new selection of items to look at and purchase. Emily Haeska, Winona State University junior, is an avid Goodwill shopper, and finds many useful purchases there.

“I like to go there first if I’m looking for something, because they usually have it and it’s super cheap compared to a regular store,” Haeska said.

Goodwill carries a growing selection of items everyday including clothes, books and household appliances.

“I mostly purchase clothing from Goodwill,” junior Kate Dillon said. “I’ve bought my favorite flannels from Goodwill.”

Students moving to off-campus apartments or houses can benefit from Goodwill’s low prices.

“Being a college student, I don’t need brand new things,” Haeska said. “I just need it to be functional.”

Students who are moving into their first apartment often need the small necessities, kitchen appliances and furniture. Haeska said how he has bough kitchen appliances, furniture, and even Halloween costumes there. Students who are moving out of apartments are also looking to get rid of these things as well, making Goodwill a central hub of buying and donating these items.

“[Goodwill] is a good resource for finding certain types of items at a low cost,” Dillon said. “And students can donate their old items rather than just throwing them away.”

Goodwill also prides itself on their mission to create jobs and provide education and job training to people around the country. Not only is this an additional shopping location, but also a hub for job opportunities.

Just across Highway 61 from Goodwill, Winona’s Salvation Army stands. Being similar stores, both selling used items and accepting donations, students will now have the option between the two.

Students say they might begin to shop more at Goodwill rather than Salvation Army.

“Personally, I think Goodwill is overall better than Salvation Army,” Dillon said. “Goodwill will probably carry more items and have a wider variety.”

Students are looking forward to its opening and resources it will provide to Winona. Being a nationwide business, many people have had the Goodwill experience, and are looking forward to welcoming Winona’s newest business.