Goodwill is encouraging a 2016 year-end increase in donations and retail shopping to help underwrite expanded hours for assisting job-seekers in 2017.

In an effort to provide greater service in the Augusta area, Goodwill’s Job ConnectionSM at 3179 Washington Road at Fury’s Ferry Road now will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays starting Jan. 14. These weekend hours are in addition to the Job Connection’s normal office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and will provide extended service opportunities for individuals who might not be able to visit during a weekday.

In addition to the Augusta Job Connection, Goodwill career centers in Aiken, Warner Robins, Milledgeville and Lake Oconee also will be offering additional hours starting in January. The South Augusta Job Connection and Station of Hope at 3120 Peach Orchard Road will continue to be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For a complete list of Goodwill career service centers, go to www.goodwillworks.org/jobconnection.

“These expanded hours are designed to provide greater flexibility to visitors who would like better opportunities but in some cases are unable to visit the Job Connection during the week because they already are employed,” said Kristin Arrowood, Goodwill’s Regional Employment Services Manager. “We believe our generous donors and shoppers will see the value of the investment in these additional weekend hours to provide expanded career assistance options.”