LAPLACE — Goodwill presents a convenient means to give back to the community and a unique shopping experience for the economically disadvantaged or frugal, according to Bill Jessee, president of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc.

Goodwill is returning to LaPlace by the end of August with a new storefront at 101 Carrollwood Drive, the previous location of Allied Express.

Thrifty St. John the Baptist Parish residents were left with a void when Goodwill closed its doors in LaPlace in 2005.

Jessee said the old store had good business and a positive track record. When the owners of the strip center housing the location chose not to renew the lease, closing was the only option.

A search for a new LaPlace location was derailed shortly after, when Hurricane Katrina impacted the River Parishes and closed other locations in the New Orleans region.

Jessee said the Goodwill team is excited to finally return to LaPlace.

“We think it’s going to be a win-win for the community in that it will allow people a convenient means to drop off donations or look for a bargain,” Jessee said. “Since Hurricane Katrina, the LaPlace area has grown significantly, increasing the need for a Goodwill store and the services we provide.”

The Goodwill shopping experience is comparable to a treasure hunt, according to Jessee.

“It’s always surprising to see what you’ll find because no two items are exactly alike,” Jessee said. “I think the community will be pretty proud of this store.”

The new location is undergoing interior renovations to transform it into a retail setting.

When complete, there will be dressing rooms and a drive-thru for donation drop-offs.

Sabrina Written, director of marketing and public relations for the Southeastern Louisiana region, said the public should refer to goodwillno.org for donation guidelines.

While most clothing and household items are accepted, there are restrictions on large appliances, car seats, cribs and other consumer products with safety regulations. The store is expected to employ between eight and 15 people, according to Written, and the hiring process will begin between 30 to 60 days before opening.

For more information, visit goodwillno.org or call 504-456-2622.