James Greene, senior director of operations for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, briefed the Hebron Historical Society on all aspects of the business. Kimberly Perry of Goodwill public affairs and community relations also detailed her responsibilities. The Goodwill store concept originated in Boston in 1902 as an outreach ministry to help the poor through providing work repairing and recycling used clothing, etc. The nonprofit organization has since expanded nationwide and beyond. Maine has 18 stores. Nothing goes to waste. Items that do not sell directly get broken down by material and are sold by the pound at a wholesale outlet store. Earnings from all stores not only pay employees but are put back into expanding services. There are 27 group homes in Maine which are supported by Goodwill. Job training, work opportunities and assistance for all communities continue to be a valuable product of the Goodwill organization.