Serving San Diego since 1930, Goodwill Industries of San Diego County operates the Goodwill Retail Store and Donation Center at 1430 Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach, 92109. The local chapter was established at the request of Goodwill founder Reverend Edgar J. Helms, with Myron Insko opening the first San Diego store in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Under current President and CEO Toni Giffin, the San Diego County affiliate runs 27 retail locations and funds job training for more than 700 residents with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment. Thrift shoppers hunting deals on Garnet can walk next door to Petco for pet supplies in the same block. This Pacific Beach outpost accepts donations of clean, reusable clothing and household goods and offers AAA-certified secure document shredding for individuals and businesses. Free electronics recycling covers computers, televisions, and accessories. The organization also runs a paid training program for youth transitioning from foster care and refugees who need work experience, funded entirely by store revenue and donations. A break from browsing the racks pairs well with lunch at Cafe Athena, a Mediterranean spot a short drive down Garnet. Google reviewers call this location one of the best-organized Goodwill stores in San Diego, with frequent praise for the friendly staff and name-brand finds at bargain prices.