Repeat donors who bring their gently used clothes and household items to the Goodwill store on Murfreesboro Road can count on being greeted by Deontae’s smiling face, rain or shine.

The 25-year-old donations attendant is the longest-serving employee at the store, having been there five years. He graduated from Franklin High School in 2008 and then spent six months in Goodwill’s Transitional Employment Services Program.

His cheerful nature is as constant as his hard work and loyalty. He keeps his work area clean and tidy.

“I like doing donations,” he said.

Deontae has faced his share of struggles, however. In the summer of 2014, one of Deontae’s

five brothers, Decarlos, who was disabled and also worked for Goodwill, died of medical causes. The two of them shared a home donated by Habitat for Humanity.

Deontae’s Goodwill family has been there to support him. His co-workers have spent many hours with him outside of work, whether enjoying one of his favorite pastimes — like bowling or going to movies — or just keeping him company.

“He’s very close with the people that work with him,” explained store manager Chuck Nebel. “He is a pleasure to work with. He sees joy in everything and loves Goodwill.”
Deontae is thankful for his Goodwill family.

Asked what working at the store has meant to him, he replied, “It has given me a chance to improve and be part of a team.”

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