The first Goodwill began in Boston in 1902. Then, Goodwill founder, Dr. Edgar J. Helms, in an attempt to meet the needs of families in his neighborhood, took a burlap coffee bag and went to his friends in other parts of Boston, returning with bags full of discards from their closets. The plan of repairing these garments and selling them for money to pay wages to the workers quickly developed into Goodwill. Goodwill Industries of East Texas started because a group of individuals saw the opportunity to change East Texan's lives for the better. A Vision for East Texas Becomes A Reality Since 1969, Goodwill Industries of East Texas has been training, employing and helping East Texans find WORK! 1969 Goodwill Industries of East Texas begins as a branch of Goodwill Industries of Dallas, TX. The first store and training center is located at 423 Locust Street in Downtown Tyler. 1975 Goodwill Industries of East Texas Incorporates as an independent Goodwill agency and is granted 501 (c) 3 Status. Opens 5th location, this time in Longview, Texas. 1978 Goodwill Cafeteria opens July 7, 1978, serving Disabled workers and staff @ $0.80 per meal. 1981 Second Goodwill opens in Longview at