This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

MUST Marketplace

MUST Ministries plans exciting new way to support services

MUST Marketplace opens for winter season

 

Find out what's happening in Acworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After months of research and strategic planning, MUST Ministries is moving forward with a way to help sustain its programming. While virtually all charities are struggling in this economy, “MUST wants to continue the level of service provided to the 34,000 clients a year who come to us seeking help and hope,” according to Dr. Ike Reighard, president and CEO of the non-profit organization.

MUST has existed for 42 years with the support of donations.  Individuals, churches, businesses, organizations and grants have sustained the now $5 million annual budget.  As it became increasingly difficult to raise funds needed to meet the growing demands and federal grants were being dramatically cut, MUST began researching ways to become more self-sustaining so that programs could continue at an optimal level.

“After analyzing many resources, it became abundantly clear that the organization has generous in-kind donors who bring more than enough clothing, housewares, furniture, shoes and other items to the Donation Center.  Allocating the excess items to a thrift shop concept would allow MUST to continue giving clothing to clients, and to sell the “extra” to gain funds that support our mission,” Reighard announced.

Find out what's happening in Acworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Clients will now have the option to purchase items in addition to the free vouchers they receive, giving them a feeling of parity and not just charity. Financial donors and other donors bringing items to the Donation Center were surveyed and overwhelmingly supported MUST's need to acquire a new income stream and favored the thrift store concept.” He explained.  With that strong base of support, MUST is moving forward with a plan to put a thrift store called “MUST Marketplace”, in the Marietta Program Services location to pilot this innovative way of continuing programs in a difficult economy.  

“This concept is very exciting on many levels. We give clients the dignity of shopping in a nice store, we give donors an opportunity to make a difference by what they give to the store, we invite the public in to shop and see the great work we’re doing here and we help sustain our programs with the proceeds.”

The store will be housed in renovated space at the current 1407 Cobb Parkway North location to prevent additional expense for rent. Plans show areas for clothing, electronics, furniture, shoes, jewelry and other items typically found at thrift stores. These items will be available to clients who have a dollar amount on a voucher equal to what they currently receive in the MUST clothes closets. Additionally, the public will be invited to shop. This model is used by other non-profits, and Reighard explained that MUST has been blessed with high quality donations that will help make this approach successful.

“We receive wonderful donations that will continue to benefit our clients and those items sold will also benefit our clients. We hope our supporters will donate high-end items like designer clothes, fashionable jewelry, desirable electronics and quality furniture to further help the store.” MUST Marketplace donations can be taken to the MUST Donation Center at 55 Chastain Road, Suite 110, Kennesaw after Christmas.

This store concept was enthusiastically approved by the MUST Board at a recent meeting and will move forward with construction in November. The Board is contributing financially to this project and seeking other key financial donors to reach the $100,000 investment requirement.  A winter opening is anticipated.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Acworth