A new Goodwill store and donation center is coming to Penn Hills

A new Goodwill store and donation center in Penn Hills may open in the next few weeks.

It’s located at the old Office Furniture Warehouse, next to Planet Fitness, in the Penn Hills Shopping Center.

David Tobiczyk, vice president of marketing and development for Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, said Wednesday that they are projecting a late October or early November opening.

A deal to move in to the center off Rodi Road was struck over the summer, and construction began in August.

“Penn Hills has always been a good area and a good fit that we thought we could look into,” Tobiczyk said. “We’ve had a lot of shoppers from the area saying it would be a good location. We know there’s likelihood there are a lot of donors to make it an excellent location.”

Goodwill hosted a hiring event in the plaza about two weeks ago. Part-time and full-time positions are still available.

Tobiczyk said about 20 jobs would be created at the new store.

“We’re very much still looking for people,” he said. “We’re open to hiring anyone interested in being part of the Goodwill team. The donations that we have, when we sell them, supports Goodwill’s programs for job training and education.”

Donations can be made at the site toward the end of October. The donation center entrance will be behind the Giant Eagle.

Clothing and household goods are among the most needed items. Large furniture will not be accepted.

Mayor Pauline Calabrese said she plans on giving to the new business.

“I think it’s fabulous,” she said about Goodwill opening in town. “Anytime a business comes into our community, it’s a good thing. I love that they offer a good service. And it also brings people from outside of Penn Hills into our community so they can see us first hand, whether someone’s coming in to shop there or make donations.”

Calabrese said municipal officials are working hard to attract more investors and developers to the community.

The closest Goodwill locations to Penn Hills include an outlet store and donation center in Monroeville.

More information including how to apply for a job is available at goodwillswpa.org.