Goodwill Manasota Opens Lake Flores Donation Center in West Bradenton
Goodwill Manasota is expanding its footprint in Manatee County with the opening of a new attended donation center in the fast-growing Lake Flores area. The nonprofit's latest site, located at 8004 Cortez Road W., opened its doors on June 30 and is expected to create new jobs while providing a convenient location for local residents to donate gently used goods.
The donation center is located in a newly renovated 2,000-square-foot building on a 0.4-acre lot, formerly occupied by Ghost Street Kitchen. Goodwill Manasota purchased the property in March for $1.11 million, according to county records.
Named after the nearby Lake Flores, part of the expansive SeaFlower development project, the donation center is strategically located in a corridor projected to experience significant residential and commercial growth. The SeaFlower project is expected to bring 4,000 homes and apartments, 250 hotel rooms, and 350,000 square feet of commercial space to the area.
The new center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is expected to create three new jobs, contributing to Goodwill’s ongoing mission of providing employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers, including those with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.
According to Donn Githens, President and CEO of Goodwill Manasota, the average donation received translates to over three hours of job training, education, and opportunities for community members. The organization offers a variety of services beyond retail, including job readiness programs, career coaching, and food assistance.
In 2024 alone, Goodwill Manasota served more than 7,000 individuals, placed over 1,500 into jobs, assisted nearly 500 veterans, and diverted more than 98 million pounds of materials from landfills. With operations spanning five counties, the organization remains a key regional player in workforce development and sustainability.
The new Lake Flores location reinforces Goodwill’s commitment to meeting the needs of a growing community while building a more inclusive local economy.
