Wealthy Johns Creek opens arms and wallets to Goodwill

One week since it opened, the Johns Creek Goodwill at 10955 Jones Bridge Road continues to draw steady crowds.

And what are they buying?

"They're always looking for that treasure," said assistant store manager David Pfalzgraf.

Books, jewelry, shoes and clothing are the big draws so far, he said.

This is the 11th store Goodwill has added in North Georgia in three years. The nonprofit takes donations for resale. Money raised in the stores goes to fund job training for those down on their luck.

Nestled on a busy commercial corner, the store offers items contributed on-site and from nearby collection sites. There are Joseph A. Banks suits, usually retailing above $100, selling for $12.59. A pair of Aetrex running shoes, $115 new, go for $15.91.

Hal Schmitz of Alpharetta often hunts sportswear for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loves scanning the bookshelves. He stocks up, then returns most of them on his next visit.

"That makes it almost like a library," he said. "Some we keep, if they look good on the shelf."

Carrie Brown of Johns Creek turns over most of the shopping to her children, Davis, 11, and Ansley, 9. Both gravitate to the sporting goods section, sifting through helmets and lacrosse gear.

Usually, Brown said, they donate about as much as they carry home.

"We call it the break-even plan," she said.

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker bristles at the notion the city is too upscale to accommodate a Goodwill store. The city, after all, has eight used goods stores operating within its borders.

Few people understand what Goodwill's mission is, he said. The nonprofit employs about 40 people at the store and works to help others find jobs.

"It's Johns Creek residents who make that a reality," Bodker said. "We are the wealthiest city in the state, but I also believe we're the city with the biggest heart. We give a lot."