Goodwill seems to have, throughout the years, obtained a not-so-positive reputation. It’s never been seen as “cool” to shop at there and it is often frowned upon if you do. During my trip to the local Goodwill store, many of the typical stereotypes I’ve heard seemed to ring quite true.
Though all types of people shop there, the majority of the shoppers were older couples or young families. Most of the shoppers were Mexican American. I observed mostly families, mainly with young children, shopping and scanning the racks of clothing and filling their carts with desirable picks. Many carefully examined the items to check for irregularities or significant stains and defects before buying them.
I think the location of the Goodwill store, in San Marcos especially, greatly affects who shops there. In this case, the store is located in close proximity to government assisted housing. It seemed that many of the shoppers were from low-income households. Many of the cars outside the store were of older models, while most of the cars stopping to drop off donations were newer, nicer cars.
Personal stories of lower income families are not often covered by the media. We could learn a ton from interviewing both shoppers and employees about best selling items and what donations are needed.
A few things I believe we could all learn about the community by visiting Goodwill are that
Some story ideas are the increase of donations at specific times throughout the year, the search for used clothes/furniture for refurbishing or using for the creation of something else. Also, a story about fulfilling the material needs of the lower class during a recession could be possible.
Many stories that could come to life through the Goodwill would fit directly into human interest and local news beats.
Though all types of people shop there, the majority of the shoppers were older couples or young families. Most of the shoppers were Mexican American. I observed mostly families, mainly with young children, shopping and scanning the racks of clothing and filling their carts with desirable picks. Many carefully examined the items to check for irregularities or significant stains and defects before buying them.
I think the location of the Goodwill store, in San Marcos especially, greatly affects who shops there. In this case, the store is located in close proximity to government assisted housing. It seemed that many of the shoppers were from low-income households. Many of the cars outside the store were of older models, while most of the cars stopping to drop off donations were newer, nicer cars.
Personal stories of lower income families are not often covered by the media. We could learn a ton from interviewing both shoppers and employees about best selling items and what donations are needed.
A few things I believe we could all learn about the community by visiting Goodwill are that
Some story ideas are the increase of donations at specific times throughout the year, the search for used clothes/furniture for refurbishing or using for the creation of something else. Also, a story about fulfilling the material needs of the lower class during a recession could be possible.
Many stories that could come to life through the Goodwill would fit directly into human interest and local news beats.
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