Select Goodwill Stores and Donation Centers Reopen Thursday December 9

Canton, OH – December 8, 2021 – After receiving several threats yesterday, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio (GIGCECO) will be reopening select retail stores and donation centers tomorrow, Thursday, December 9.

Yesterday’s threats appeared to be directed at one particular store in Stark County. Local law enforcement and the FBI are working together for this ongoing investigation to identify the source of the threat.  Goodwill has not received any other threats since last evening.

Out of an abundance of caution, all 22 stores and five donation centers were closed on Wednesday, December 8, including all stores at their sister Goodwill in Akron.

After consulting with local law enforcement and the FBI, Goodwill feels confident reopening select stores and donation centers tomorrow.

Opening for regular operations will be all stores outside of Stark County including: North Olmsted Store, Snow Road Store, Middleburg Heights Office and Store, Strongsville Store, Garfield Heights Store, Lee & Harvard Store, University Heights Store, Mayfield Heights Store, Eastlake Store, Painesville Township Store, Chardon Store, New Philadelphia Store, Carrollton Store, Wintersville Store, and Weirton WV Store.

All stores in Stark County will be closed to the public tomorrow but are expected to open Friday, December 10. Donations will be accepted at all stores tomorrow. 

“The safety of our staff, customers and donors continues to be our top priority,” commented President and CEO Anne Richards. “This incident has been difficult; however, we are confident in the work being done by the FBI and local law enforcement to find resolution.”