Representatives from Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire were “happy to be in Richmond Hill” Saturday when dozens of area job-seekers turned in applications for the store’s newest retail location.

Associates from Goodwill’s human resources department were all smiles as they greeted potential employees and helped them fill out applications.

Human resources manger Shirley Alexander said Saturday they were hoping for around 200 applicants, but as of Tuesday only around 60 had turned out in hopes of finding work at the future store at 9701 Ford Ave., next to the new Dollar Tree.

One of those applicants, Richmond Hill resident Valerie Bonilla, applied for a retail associate position to get back into the workforce.

“I have not worked in many years,” she said. “I am a military spouse and my kids are in high school now and are about to go to college and it’s time to buy a car. It’s time to get back in the job market.”

Bonilla said she is hopeful that Goodwill will consider her as a qualified candidate for that position.

“I hope my skills and qualifications are something they are looking for,” she said.

Another job-seeker was Carrie Henman, a Richmond Hill resident who said she has also been out of the workforce for several years.

“(I applied) just to get out in the workplace,” Henman said. “I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for three kids, my oldest is 17.”

Goodwill was not only hiring for the position of retail associate, but also for production tech positions and a store cleaner. There will be 14 total positions, and Alexander said Tuesday she felt Goodwill should find the qualified candidates out of those that applied Saturday.

Read more in the Jan. 25 edition of the News.