By KELLY McVEY & RIA REBEIN
For the Reporter
“It’s the best kept secret in Hamilton County, but we wish it wasn’t!” said Clare Scales, vice president of the St. Vincent de Paul chapter on Greenfield Avenue in Noblesville.
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, and its resale shop, NobleCause, have been making an impact on the southeast side of Noblesville for over 35 years. Today, the organization continues to grow thanks to the efforts of committed volunteers and the generosity of those who see firsthand the support they give the Hamilton County community.
From name brands like Cold Water Creek and Chico’s to 25-cent Scholastic books for the kids, the NobleCause Resale Shop offers upscale items at affordable prices. After covering basic operating costs, all proceeds from the shop go directly to supporting and stocking the food pantry.
A lot of hard work goes into upholding the quality of the shop’s inventory – an entire staff of volunteers is dedicated to sifting through all of the donations. There’s a room for checking cords and batteries, a worker who ensures books are in great shape and staff members who sort clothing to be sure every button, zipper and seam is up to standards. Anything that isn’t sold in the shop is sent to other local charities, so nothing goes to waste.
The food pantry provides a huge array of food, including frozen meats, fresh eggs, onions, potatoes, applies, bread and tons of vegetables. It supplements donations of day-old baked goods from grocery stores with food purchased from Meijer.
Both the food pantry and retail store need volunteers now more than ever. At one time more than 200 people volunteered, but many are in a vulnerable age group and had to stay home when COVID-19 hit.
“Volunteering is something everyone needs. It makes you happier when you do something for others,” said General Manager Anita “Dee” Ricciardi. She encourages planning to volunteer a couple hours a month rather than volunteering as an afterthought. “Mark your calendar and make sure to fit it in!”
The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul and NobleCause prove her right – it’s amazing to see the hard work and happiness of so many different age groups serving the community together.
Photos provided