The Golden Goose is a thrift store in the small town of Catalina, north of Tucson, that has been around for 20 years and has raised over 20 million dollars from donated merchandise. There are two non-profits (Saddlebrooke Community Outreach and Impact of Southern Arizona) who divide the proceeds equally between them. Then those groups distribute the money to specific social service programs for people in need in the community.
The Golden Goose is primarily run by 7 full-time employees and over 350 volunteers. The Goose is located between two retirement communities and so for many elderly customers, coming to the Goose might be their main hub for social interaction, which also fosters a genuine sense of community. Volunteering at the Goose can help many older people with the isolation that can come with aging and so volunteering gives those people a sense of purpose.
Producer: John DeSoto
Videographer: John DeSoto
Editor: John DeSoto
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