Goodwill Hunting

Did you know you could purchase Goodwill?  Simply by shopping at one of Goodwill Industries of Hawai’i’s many stores you are “helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.”  What’s more is that it is fun to shop at Goodwill Stores for they are a treasure trove of all sorts of items from clothing & accessories to books and furniture and bric-a-brac of every description.  Though there are many Goodwill Stores on O’ahu this article will focus on the store on Beretania Street, between Wong Ho Lane and McDonalds Beretania; 1075 South Beretania Street.

The store is an excellent example of how to find new uses for items that otherwise might be discarded.  For many years the building was host to a BMW auto dealership.  Only now is it obvious how much more sensible it is to utilize the space for the sale of stuff, all sorts of stuff.  The Beretania Goodwill Store is a cool comforting oasis easy walking distance from downtown Honolulu or an easy bus ride away, though there is ample parking behind the building, accessible from Young Street, as well as Wong Ho Lane, an easy turn off of Beretania.  The entire neighborhood is one of the terrific walking neighborhoods of Honolulu with many eateries & stores stretching along Beretania Street from Pensacola to Kalakaua Avenue and beyond, and spilling onto Young Street and King Street.

What is terrific about Goodwill is not simply finding terrific bargains.  Much like people, many items live to serve and much like people many items find themselves cast away/off despite their value, their desire to be of use.  Searching through the clothing racks one is likely to find that quirky one of a kind item that simply suits your personality.  Browsing books & magazines one is likely to find that elusive title reigniting memories & comfort.  Among the bric-a-brac one finds that odd unusual vase or plate that fits perfectly with their unique décor.

Here is a valuable tip: plan ahead.  Wondering what to be or who to be for Halloween? Well, a great place to start is Goodwill — but not at the last moment.  No, it’s best to explore early & often, get a sense of what items are on hand, and you are likely to land that perfect outfit to dazzle & shine on All Hallow’s Eve.

What is more, the fine folks at Goodwill Industries have hit upon a perfect solution for a problem vexing many Hawai’i residents: what to do with recyclable bottles & cans.  Now you can take recyclables to their HI5 Redemption Centers, and then go shop, so much better than lugging a bag of cans to a dirty parking lot, standing in the hot sun until collecting cash & coin.  It is so much more practical recycling in a place that encourages recycling of all sorts.

The Beretania Goodwill Store is open from 9AM to 7PM Monday through Friday, to 6PM on Saturday, and 5:30PM on Sunday.  Their HI5 Redemption Center is open 9AM to 7PM Monday through Friday, to 5PM on Saturday & Sunday.  The phone number is 808-521-1798.

Though I like the Beretania Goodwill Store, it must be said that there are many equally fine Goodwill stores across O’ahu as well as The Big Island of Hawai’i and most of them are now HI5 redemption centers, so suggest you get in the habit of making can & bottle redemption day the day to shop Goodwill.  To find store locations & hours, and to read about the many excellent ways that Goodwill helps the community as well as ways you can help Goodwill check out their website; www.higoodwill.org.

Tags: Pensacola Avenue Beretania Young St, Recycling