Goodwill Store and Donation Center — Local services in Bella Vista

I usually tell people to not donate clothes or things to Goodwill if they actually want to help their community. Sure, Goodwill charges low prices and carries many sizes. That's all good, but their goal isn't to truly help the people in need. Today, I experienced what I had been telling people first hand. As I was in the dressing room trying on work pants, I overheard an older lady pull the manager aside and ask (very embarrassed) if they hand out single outfits for people. She went on to explain that she is sickly with cancer, currently going through chemo, had only two outfits (one which she was wearing), and no gas to drive anywhere else. She was going back to the hospital for another treatment tomorrow and was so embarrassed that every time she went, she was wearing the same outfit with no way to wash it. The manager, without any sympathy in her voice, said "We don't do that here. We are a business." This broke my heart. All she asked for was ONE OUTFIT (clearly needing it). Goodwill does not purchase any of their own items (all are donated) and people who donate do so thinking they are helping those in need. I walk out of the dressing room (with the intention of buying this lady an outfit), to see her already out the door they rushed her out. As I watch her walk away, I can see that she is missing spots of hair, barely able to walk, and dirty clothes on her back. I attempt to go catch her, but she was already gone from embarrassment. I turn and see the manager laughing with another employee about her. I then hear them talking about how they could've made more money today by marking up cheaper items that sold more often. I go to grab my purse to leave and watch a single mom with 4 kids (all crying because she couldn't afford them a toy) cleaning up a shelf that the children accidently knocked over. Rather than helping the single mother, I watch a employee tell her to move and 'nice going'. I am in disbelief. Even WalMart, whom I've grown to dislike, still makes time for their community. They donate an abundance of things to community fundraisers and allows the community to fundraise on their properties. I guess my point in this post, is research who you give your money and donations to. If you really want to help those in need, donate to a hospital or make an effort to find the needs of your neighbors. If you see someone struggling, give them a lift. We will all struggle and ask for help at some point. Do what you can, when you can. Never conform to the 'company' ways, and always have a heart for your...

I've gone to this GOODWILL several times over the past year or so. I highly recommend it. Every time I've gone in there were different staff people there and EACH OF THEM friendly and helpful. Their shop is LOADED with furniture, clothes, housewares, bedding/drapes/, movies, books, music, tools, lawnmowers/vacuum cleaners, appliances, lamps, games, and a huge variety of STUFF! You name it - you will no doubt find it. Prices are great on most items! Always a 50% off certain color tag sales every day! The store and items in the store are pretty clean! The employees are fun to chat with while they work or stock shelves or help you with. I enjoy roaming around their little store (rather I find a goody or not) it is a nice, friendly place to go for an outing. The customers all enjoy visiting like old home-town folk and friends. It's enjoyable and almost always I come out of the store with lots of 'gems' and fun items. I've donated several times and it's so simple. Pull around back and pop your trunk and their employees take ALL the items out of your vehicle for you -you do nothing. They are so kind and professional. I really like this shop. It's not the biggest GOODWILL I've been to or the cheapest - but, for our community and NO competition -they are awesome! I really appreciate them and all they do for...

UPDATE: since posting this, Goodwill of Ar has reached out to us separately to correct this. I will be leaving my original text for posterity, but this business has shown us that they value their customers, and will go out of their way to make right an issue, and have assured us this breach of service will be dealt with. I am giving this five star rating to the Goodwill team, who have been prompt, understanding, and very courteous.

This location has been a mainstay with us for years, but they recently hired a new store manager who BADLY needs a lesson in customer service, in understanding that we the customer are the reason she’s there, and generally being a polite and decent human being. Customers do NOT need to be ARROGANTLY and CONDESCENDINGLY reminded that “we’re a business,” or have hairs split on whether a kids book is kid-ish enough, or if it can be run for $2.00. Not to mention the associate we initially interacted with was just as rude and demeaning. We have NEVER been treated so disrespectfully by this or any Goodwill, and it will be a considerable amount of time, reasonably long enough for this incompetent miser to be replaced, before we return. In the meantime, there are several better charity thrift stores in reasonable driving distance. Please consider taking your donations and...