Local leaders oppose Goodwill’s entrance citing community donation dilution

The Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on July 7, 2025, focused on community concerns regarding the potential establishment of a Goodwill store in the area. The meeting featured several local residents and nonprofit leaders who expressed their views on the impact of such an entity on local charities and thrift stores.

The first speaker, a volunteer from the local senior center, voiced concerns that the introduction of a larger organization like Goodwill could dilute donations to smaller, community-focused thrift stores. She emphasized that the senior center relies heavily on local donations and grants, which are becoming increasingly uncertain. The thrift store, which operates solely on volunteer efforts, generates significant funds for essential services like Meals on Wheels and counseling programs for seniors. The speaker highlighted the importance of keeping donations local, stating that every dollar raised directly benefits the community.

Bryce Bodie, the new executive director of Hill Country Family Services, also spoke against the Goodwill proposal. He noted that his organization has been serving Kendall County for 40 years and relies on its thrift shop to fund essential services, including a grocery store for local residents. Bodie stressed the importance of local fundraising efforts, citing Kendall County's status as the number one charitable county in Texas for 2023. He expressed concern that the introduction of Goodwill could impede their fundraising efforts and disrupt the existing support network among local nonprofits.

Patty Mains, a historic landmark commissioner and director for a local festival, echoed these sentiments. She praised the community's resilience and ability to mobilize during disasters, contrasting it with Goodwill's lack of visible support during recent local flooding. Mains argued that the community already has sufficient resources and programs in place, and that Goodwill's presence would only duplicate existing efforts without providing meaningful engagement.

Rebecca Forrest, the executive director of the Hill Country Animal League, also contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of local thrift stores and their role in the community.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the speakers: the community values its local nonprofits and is wary of the potential negative impacts of larger corporate entities like Goodwill. The Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to consider these concerns as they deliberate on the proposal.