January is National Slow Cooking Month, and it’s a pretty good bet that your local Goodwill store will have a slow cooker or two for you to add to your kitchen arsenal.
 
The first slow cooker patent was applied for in 1936 by Irving Naxon. Later, he sold the patent to Rival, who produced the Crock Pot, the brand name that’s been interchangeable with “slow cooker” for decades.
 
Popular recipes have been developed for every meal and occasion.  And what’s a tailgate party or a potluck without a slow cooker full of chili, baked beans or nacho dip? Crock pots tend to get a lot of use in the fall and winter months, with football games to watch with friends and colder nights perfect for soups or other comfort food for family dinners.
 
“Slow cookers are always popular at our retail stores,” noted DeWayne Cuffie, vice president of retail operations for Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. “If they’re not used much, they can take up valuable space in kitchens, so they’re often donated to Goodwill with little to no wear. And for smart shoppers looking for a tool to make easy, economical meals for their families, Goodwill should be the first place they stop for a slow cooker.”
 
Regular discounts include 10 percent off for students on Tuesdays, 10 percent off for seniors on Wednesdays and 10 percent off for the military on Thursdays.
 
Shoppers at the 13 stores in the 35-county area served by Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA can feel confident their purchases are not only good for their budgets, but also good for their communities. Goodwill reinvests 86 cents of every dollar spent at its stores to fund its life-changing mission to help people find sustainable careers. In 2018 Goodwill served more than 16,000 unemployed and underemployed people. More than 6,000 of those served secured employment and career advancement.