Christine Garner, executive director of the Marshall County Neighborhood Center (MCNC) in, Plymouth, says the organization is a valuable place for families to turn to when they need help.
“The MCNC is a countywide nonprofit that seeks to help families living in vulnerable situations,” Garner says. “We offer a food pantry, a clothing pantry, utility assistance, holiday assistance, one-on-one meetings, community outreaches, school supplies and community referrals.” 
Garner says the food pantry helps people stretch their family food budget by offering a wide variety of fresh, frozen or canned foods. The utility assistance program was established because many clients need assistance with their rent or utilities.
The valuable organization helps people during rough patches. “We are often someone’s first stop while looking for assistance,” Garner says. “We seek to create a welcoming environment and a safe place for people who need a bit of a helping hand.”
Since the early 1980s, the MCNC has had a strong and positive reputation in the Marshall County community for being a place to turn to during tough times.
“The MCNC was started in 1982, and has continued to grow and evolve over the past 40 years,” Garner says. “What started as a place for extra produce and government cheese has developed into the center we know and love today.”
Garner notes that the generosity of people in the area has kept the organization going.
“The MCNC exists because of the generosity of the Marshall County community,” Garner says. “We are funded by donations and a few smaller, specific-use grants. We have three paid staff members and an amazing team of volunteers.”
Garner adds that there are opportunities for people to get involved. “If people are looking for ways to get involved, the chances are good we can find a way to connect you,” she says.
Community members can also make donations to the center.
“People can donate money, food, or clothing and small household items,” Garner says. “People can connect as volunteers and serve in our food pantry, clothing room, cleaning crew, landscaping or holiday crew.”
Garner notes that there are additional ways to help the center.
“Groups can hold food drives,” she says. “Individuals, school groups, social groups, churches or businesses can adopt families at Christmas. Plugging into one of our annual fundraisers is another great way to get involved – our Dancing with the Stars fundraiser in February and Quack Out Hunger Duck Race in the summer. The center is truly a neighborhood venture.”
Garner says people in the community can get involved in several upcoming events. “In October there is a food drive for Thanksgiving meals,” Garner says. “In November we have Thanksgiving baskets. In December we have Christmas baskets and on February 10 we have our Dancing with the Stars fundraiser.”
Garner says she has been very busy at the organization over the years.
“I became the director in January 2018,” Garner says. “Just a few weeks later we had a countywide flood, followed by COVID in 2020. Our building then flooded in the summer of 2021. It’s been quite a few years.”
Garner has enjoyed working for the MCNC. “I love feeling like we are helping our fellow neighbors and lifting up this community,” Garner says. “One of the most special things is being able to see both the donor and the receiver. It is such a sweet experience to be the one in the middle. I guess you could say it’s the people I love.”
Garner adds that many different families are being helped in the area.
“The Neighborhood Center serves over 1,600 households in Marshall County,” Garner says. “Far too many families work hard but just can’t make ends meet. We are here to fill in that gap. No donation is too small. Together we can make a difference.”
To get involved or make a donation, contact the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, located at 402 West Garro Street in Plymouth, at 574-936-3388. Also visit helpingmcfamilies.org, and find them on Facebook.
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