Care Kit: Noble Spirit

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CARE KIT

NOBLE SPIRIT

NOBLESVILLE’S ST. VINCENT DE PAUL AND ITS RESALE SHOP, NOBLECAUSE, INSPIRE AND SERVE HAMILTON COUNTY

By Ria Rebein + Photos by Kyle Williams

A NEW NAME

The St. Vincent de Paul Noblesville chapter has two branches — its resale shop and its food pantry. In February, the thrift store became NobleCause, a name inspired by the Noblesville community and the noble cause of relieving hunger in Hamilton County. “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 those who see firsthand the support they give the Hamilton County community.

UPSCALE RESALE

Walking into the store, you’re greeted by a friendly volunteer. Gently used clothing, furniture, appliances, toys and books arrive daily. Many items still have their original tags, indicated by pink ribbons on the hangers.

This is the best cause in the world! We make it fun to carry out our

mission. Clare Scales

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, apples, bread and tons of veggies.

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 Anita “Dee” Ricciardi, general manager. She encourages people to plan 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 happiness it brings when so many different age groups come together to serve the community.

IT’S IN THE BAG

“Family of six, ages 2, 5, 7, and 11 — no peanut butter. Elderly couple, no onions!” Volunteers at different stations safely deliver tailored grocery orders within minutes.

NobleCause resale revenue donated to fighting hunger

People served by the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry

Families that receive emergency financial assistance each year

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SHARE YOUR GIFTS

Support a noble cause. Here’s how you can help:

Volunteer: Contact the center at svdpnoblecause.com. Give: In addition to operational support, the center desperately needs a new building. Give online at svdpnoblecause.com or mail gifts to 1391 Greenfield Ave., Noblesville IN 46060.

Donate and Shop: Visit the retail store and drop off likenew clothes, toys, books, household items, furniture and vehicles Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.