Glenn Conn needs the community’s help to continue the mission of Marilyn’s Place Inc., a non-food pantry in Noblesville.
Since opening on Aug. 1, 2020, Conn said Marilyn’s Place has been fortunate to be able to serve more than 96 families and groups, representing more than 212 adults and children. Conn, Marilyn’s Place board president, said the client base is growing daily.
However, the Noblesville resident said the nonprofit has struggled to pay rent.
“Marilyn’s Place has been notified that if we cannot pay our outstanding balance of $11,000 by Dec. 31, we will have to vacate our premises at 1106 S. 8th St. in Noblesville,” Conn said. “We would welcome any space that could be donated for our cause, whether in Noblesville or in Hamilton County.”
Conn said the non-food pantry, which is named to honor Conn’s late mother Marilyn, moved into its space and began paying rent in December 2019.
“Our business plan was to open our doors by spring 2020,” he said. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 came along and we were forced into self-isolation and other safety precautions. We had to pay rent during this delay, which was around six months.”
Conn said obviously that was a blow financially
“We have applied for numerous grants and COVID relief, but at this time have not been awarded any funds,” Conn said. “We were able to open in August 2020. But this was by appointment only. We opened our doors for regular business hours in August 2021. We are seeking donations to help bring us up to date on back rent, if possible. Even so, it may still be necessary to relocate to help prevent recurring debt going forward.”
Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours.
“We have been quite fortunate, in this regard, considering we are completely donation based and an all-volunteer 501(c)3,” Conn said.
Conn said voucher points are assigned according to family size, which allows clients to shop at their leisure for any items they need in a modified retail setting.
“We have donated clothing and other goods to numerous organizations, including homeless outreach programs, and (Marilyn’s Place) has provided tens of thousands of dollars in clothing and other goods for our patrons,” he said. “The community at-large has been very gracious and supporting, donating all of the clothing and goods that we provide free for persons in need of assistance.”
There is a GoFundMe account under Marilyn’s Place Non-Food Pantry.
For more, visit marilynsplaceinc.org.
