NAUGATUCK — A Goodwill Industries donation station on Water Street has been moved, leaving a void that the nonprofit organization is looking to fill.
The drop-off location, at the site of the former train station here, was the most active in the state for several years, according to Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut.
“The donation station is extremely important to this community, and we are asking local property owners to help find an alternative location,” said Vickie L. Volpano, president and CEO, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut. “The donations are critical to our success, as the revenue generated funds our mission — to help people find jobs.”
The drop-off site, where an employee was usually stationed, has been at the train station parking lot for about 15 years. The donation station moved out on Jan. 29 as the borough works to close a deal to the sell the property a restaurant owner.
Jim Perzhilla, owner of Spartan II Pizza Restaurant & Lounge in Southington, and his partner, attorney Carlos Santos of the Naugatuck-based Fitzpatrick Mariano Santos & Sousa law firm, are in the process of buying the property from the borough and want to turn the former train station into a casual dining restaurant.
The station served more than 12,000 local donors in 2015, according to the organization. The next closest donation site is in Waterbury.
Goodwill hopes to keep a drop-off station in Naugatuck.
Any local property owners who would like additional information can contact Ken Bennett, vice president of retail, at kbennett@gwct.org or (203) 581-5357.
Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that provides employment and supportive services to people with disabilities and other challenges to employment. Through programs that offer people the opportunity to develop the life-changing skills they need to obtain and keep a job, Goodwill helps the people it serves gain hope, dignity and financial independence, according to a news release from the organization.
Good assignment for Rocky Vitale.