For the residents of Searcy, Goodwill was not just a department store, it was the place where they could get brand name clothes at cheap prices, and dispose of old clothes without the stress of a yard sale.

Unfortunately, recently the store burned down in a fire. This upset many of the people who were regulars at Goodwill.

“I was in utter shock,” said Searcy resident Lesa Taschetti.

Many people had fond memories of Goodwill and were upset about the burning.

“I remember shopping at Searcy Goodwill since I was little. It was shocking to learn of the store had burn down,” said resident Sarah Parsons.

Goodwill was a place for people to shop and enjoy the friendship of others.

“I remember when it was a skating rink. I have great memories of shopping there with my sister,” said Taschetti.

The old Goodwill was a popular shopping place in Searcy as is the new one.

“It has become a very popular place to shop since I was little. It has been a staple to Searcy for years,” said Parsons.

Goodwill was a place to find fun items and cute clothes to wear, or even just to have fun.

“I had fun shopping there for parties,” said Taschetti.

Many people made lasting memories in Goodwill that will not be forgotten.

“I have this hilarious memory of shopping for plastic motor cycle parts, and I promise I did not skate in the vinyl pants I got there,” said Taschetti with a chuckle.

The store has reopened in an old Puff’s Zoo store on Race street and hopes to rebuild in the same spot in the future.