Lucy's Cart

When you walk into the Lawrence Goodwill store on Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis, it’s easy to notice the racks of clothing, shoes, and shelves of treasures waiting for a second home. But behind every stocked aisle is a story, and sometimes, even a cart full of them. That’s where Lucy comes in.

I didn’t meet Lucy the same day I first saw her cart. I had gone into that location looking for books when I noticed a blue cart with a handmade sign that simply read “Lucy’s Cart.” I snapped a photo, knowing there had to be a story behind it.

Lucy has been working since she was 10 years old. Over the decades, she was a model, a hairstylist, and even bartended for 59 years. For most of her life, she juggled at least two jobs to support her family, right up until she retired.

But just over a year ago, Lucy realized retirement wasn’t for her. She didn’t want to go back to bartending, but she needed something more.

“I just like to keep moving,” she said. “It helps with the arthritis. You can only clean your house so many times.”

As a regular Goodwill shopper, Lucy decided to ask about job opportunities. That’s when she met Connor, the site leader for that store. Connor explained the application process and encouraged her to follow up. Within days, Lucy was officially part of the Goodwill team.

Lucy’s cart has its own lore. It’s been part of the store since it opened and was once used by other employees before Lucy found it in the backroom. She cleaned it up, and a co-worker made a handmade sign marking it as hers. For Lucy, the cart isn’t just a tool, it’s essential. It allows her to move more items to the sales floor with fewer trips, making her work more efficient.

On a typical shift, you’ll find Lucy weaving between aisles of baskets, dishes, toys, flowers, and collectibles. She begins in the backroom, loads her cart with fresh merchandise, and heads to the sales floor to clear space, stock new items, and organize displays so they look full and inviting.

For Lucy, Goodwill is more than a workplace. It’s a community.

“Everyone is so cordial and very nice all the time. They’re always asking if I need any help. Connor is so sweet, and she’s very flexible with my schedule.”

Lucy wants shoppers to understand that every purchase makes a difference. “Goodwill really helps take care of people with disabilities. And as a senior, they didn’t think I was too old. They gave me a job. You can survive on social security, but you can’t live on social security.”

Lucy’s cart may be filled with platters, baskets, and trinkets, but her story is about something much bigger. It’s about purpose, community, and the quiet joy of knowing that every shift helps make a difference.

Want to learn more about employment opportunities near you? Visit https://www.goodwillindy.org/careers/.