MERS Goodwill

Local Hero- Moberly

A manager’s work is never done. Brenda St. James, Store Manager of the Moberly Goodwill, is always the first to work in the morning and the last to leave. Brenda simply loves her job and she oversees every aspect of the store; she accepts donations, operates the cash register and assists customers on the sales floor. Brenda is the guiding light for her employees, as well as a local hero.

When Brenda moved to the Moberly area in 2004, she applied to be the Store Manager of the Moberly Goodwill and got the job. Over the last six years, Brenda’s leadership and management skills have earned the store great success, but she’ll modestly attribute it all to her fellow employees and leave no credit for herself. “I have really excellent, long-term employees that know their jobs well,” says Brenda. “They are very well trained, and they are the reason this store is so successful.”

The recently remodeled Moberly location is a community gem. “It’s the best store there is in Moberly,” says Brenda. “It’s new and clean, and offers a variety of items. People actually compare it to the local department stores.”

Brenda compares her Goodwill store to a treasure chest that is constantly changing due to generous donations from the community. “Our Goodwill store is a new store every day,” says Brenda. “It’s nice to have a job where you do something different every day and see variety.” Brenda’s excitement is not only for the donated items, but also for what those items provide in the Moberly community.

Brenda understands the mission of MERS/Goodwill and never fails to incorporate its objectives, even after her shift ends. She applies these ideals to her daily life. “I enjoy being a part of a business that gives back to the community,” says Brenda. “It’s more than a job. We give people a chance to buy things affordably.” Brenda’s compassion extends past her daily routines and spreads to everyone she encounters.

During the holiday season, Brenda, fellow Goodwill employees, and other members of the locally-based Northgate Association, accompany children from the Stubbins Family and Youth Center to go Christmas shopping. Brenda’s kindness is well recognized by the youth in her area. Many of the children return the good deed by volunteering their time at the Moberly Goodwill, accepting donations.

Small endeavors, such as Brenda’s regular community participation, positively impact the entire Moberly community and make her a local hero. Brenda’s selflessness is felt throughout, but she will humbly say, “It’s simply all in a day’s work.”