A Handbag

For some, it's the thrill of the hunt. for others, it's a matter of practicality.

But for a number of Goodwill shoppers, each visit is a way to support the organization founded in 1902 in Boston with its mission: “to help people overcome physical, mental, educational, social and economic barriers.” 

There are bargains every day at any Goodwill store. each place has its own style, most popular items and busiest days. 

All locations have their “secret shoppers,” who will sport the outfits they find there and never admit to having set foot inside this retailer's doors.

But those who donate and those who purchase are part of the great “re-cycle” of life.

Cranberry

When Cindy Agnor of Cranberry exchanged one career for another, all she was looking for was some kind of charitable work.

“I was looking for a purpose,” she said.

She has found that and more in her 15-month role as manager of the Goodwill store on Route 19 in Cranberry.

As she and her 23-person staff serve customers, Goodwill's mission keeps her encouraged. the organization has continued its promise to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate in Southwest Pennsylvania. Through jobs at their many stories, those who are challenged in any way can make their way in society, feeling productive and engaged.

The quality of life is boosted for customers, too, not only by their purchases, but also because of relationships that take shape during visits.

LuAnn Huber, 50, of Fombell, has been on a first-name basis with Agnor since she started. 

Huber knows that when Agnor is working, she'll be greeted with a bright smile. Huber visited frequently when she was searching for a bicycle. Today, she continues to shop the store at least twice a week. 

As she shops, the women share girl talk, keeping the friendship growing.

“I come here for relationships and shopping,” Huber said.

Agnor has other customers who visit regularly. a number of men are on that list.

“This place is like a neighborhood bar,” she said, comparing it to the friendliness of “Cheers,” the television show, where everyone knew everyone.

There's something to meet any budget, from 25 cents and up. And the “up” can be pricey. Agnor discovered a handmade Amish couch and love seat. With a little research, she ticketed it for $2,000. African artwork brought in extra money, as did a world map set with gemstones. 

She is proud her store was one of three to hit the $1 million mark in sales last year. That's three of 30 in the region.

“When pricing, we try to make the most out of this cost center to go toward the mission,” she explained, “and we try to be fair.”

Those who shop the Cranberry store often seek out designer items.

“Sometimes there are Mercedes and Jaguars in the parking lot,” she said.

It seems many who started thrift shopping in college have kept it up. 

“This is a special kind of retail,” Agnor said. “It carries its own personality.”

McCandless

Inside the small McCandless Goodwill, on Perry Highway, just past North Allegheny High School,there still is room for saving money.

It's a two-person operation for Dana Pritchard, 39, assistant manager, and William Roper, assistant manager-in-training. But the duo manages to fill up their days with laughter and the shelves with merchandise. If there's an empty spot, there soon will be an item to fill it.

“Even Walmart doesn't have the selection we do,” Roper, 42, of Economy Borough, said.

Having worked in this location for four years, he admits to watching more than a few customers' children grow up. And when one of his regular customers died, he paid his respects.

“We're a small store, but we have a lot of loyal customers,” he said.

“It's hard not to get to know them.”

Donations come in every day. in a box of everyday items, such as shoes, clothing and knickknacks, there often are wonderful surprises. 

Roper once discovered the Beatles' first album and priced it accordingly. Smart shoppers can find bargains on Ferragamo, Coach, Prada and True Religion — if they know what to look for. With a little research, Roper identified a piece of Roseville pottery and made a little more money for the store.

He was surprised when a father dropped off 20 American Girl Dolls, an easy sale to young collectors.

Timing was everything for one lucky customer who took home a 54-inch flat screen TV for $600, half the original cost.

Pritchard, of Ingomar, has learned her regulars' tastes, so names often come to mind as she unpacks donation boxes and puts on the price tags.

“I know who's going to buy this,” she thinks.

She has greeted some shoppers in her little plaza at 9 a.m. and has kept the business open for that last-minute customer.

Before recent Route 19 construction began, she could count on a few shoppers to pass some time with her during their lunch hour. one group of colleagues, she said, used to have contests to see who could find the nicest outfit to wear from Goodwill's racks. With many donations coming from Wexford and Cranberry, there was a lot to choose from.

“Some who shop don't understand what Goodwill is all about,” said Pritchard. “The mission is what we take pride in.”

The little connections along the way are all part of that. 

Roper adds a little philosophy to his weekday schedule.

“I'm rewarded by my paycheck,” he said. “At the end of the day, it's bigger than me. Here, you're helping people.”

McKnight

Becky Clark runs the register with ease at the McKnight Road Goodwill and keeps a steady banter with customers.

Mostly women shop there, but occasionally, a man will step up with a debit card in hand. That's when she asks: “Do you want the Old Man or the Good-Looking Man Discount?”

Either answer would be good; she's only going for the smile.

“I like mornings,” she said. 

“That's when the fun people come out.”

Clark, at 40, has been with Goodwill for nearly 13 years. 

She and her 15 employees are looking forward to Halloween, their store's busiest time. for those with a creative streak, costumes and accessories hang on every rack, just waiting for a little imagination. they would be apart of the 1,300 to 1,500 clothing items that are to be ticketed each day.

Clark calls her regulars “lifers.” They've been in the store week after week, keeping their children in play clothes, finding that perfect chair for the empty corner or holiday flowers for the outdoor basket display.

Some items are new, coming from palettes purchased from a local department store. Inside front display cases, there are jewelry pieces, electronics, knife sets and other high-end items. Clark always is happy to interrupt the ringing to show off a piece or two.

Sarah DeYoung, 23, of Squirrel Hill, brought in some craft books that she wouldn't use.

She often shops for purses or belts.

“I usually bring clothes for clothes,” she said.

An older couple from Sharpsburg, who preferred not to be identified, dropped by. She collects dolls and knick-knacks. he indulges her hobby, which she calls “buying back memories” about twice a month. 

When the 77-year-old tires of items, she said, she passes them on to St. Vincent de Paul.

“I feel funny leaving the crosses,” she said, as she gently put two crucifixes she purchased into a bag.

“This is Jesus.”

While some customers know the Goodwill story, others come to get a deal, Clark said.

A few of those customers have returned to show her what that reclaimed piece of furniture earned them on eBay or at the flea market, 

Yet it's the customers — in all shapes and sizes — that keep her and her crew at their mission.

Marie Nadzam and husband, Jim, were visiting family in Ross Township from Pinellas County, Fla., and they stopped in to shop.

Her work in Florida made her aware of retailers there that hired those with challenges. Goodwill hired, as did Publix Super Market, she said.

“I have a handicapped son, so I appreciate what they do. back then, they sent them to an institution,” she said.

“We've evolved so far. It's wonderful.”

Clark explained that Goodwill honors vouchers given to flood or fire victims. Salvation Army, UPMC and the Red Cross will help get people back on their feet after a personal disaster.

Women also use vouchers to begin a professional wardrobe when they re-enter the work force.

Donated cell phones make their way into the hands of women in shelters.