KEARSTIN CANTRELL | Opinions Editor 

One of the most beneficial shopping trips of my college career started with a simple question from my roommate freshman year.

“Hey, you want to go to Goodwill?”

During that first Goodwill trip, I spent the best $3 of my life. As I handed the cashier my three wrinkled dollars, she handed me a bag with my favorite sweater in it.

Since then, I’ve been to Goodwill my fair share of times. Probably more than my fair share if I’m being honest.

There are a few reasons I shop at Goodwill, and a few reasons you should too.

The most appealing reason for shopping at Goodwill is the price range.

During my sophomore year of college, I made a pilgrim costume for Thanksgiving for only $10 using an old curtain, a black skirt and a button-up shirt.

This semester, I bought a picnic basket for $2.50.

Whether you just need a thing or two or want to revamp a wardrobe on a budget, you can go to Goodwill without breaking the bank.

Goodwill also has inventory that can’t be found anywhere else. You can go to Goodwill and know that you’re buying something unique and versatile.

That $3 sweater I told you about? I lovingly refer to it as my “Bill Cosby sweater” because of the wavy green and brown vertical stripes.

I assure you that I won’t show up to class and have that dreaded feeling of wearing the same shirt as someone else as long as I have my “Bill Cosby sweater.”

However, the best part of shopping at Goodwill is knowing that you are making the world a better place to live.

Goodwill uses its profits to improve the world. It offers a wide range of services with all from the money you spend there.

They offer financial services that assist people in learning to take care of their money. They also offer family support services, entrepreneurial resources and much more.

So next time you decide to take on a closet renewal, a DIY project on a budget or just want to get out and shop, head over to your local Goodwill.