Because of an 80-year-old woman named Marcy and her example of kindness, Marcy’s Project is now an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated 100% by volunteers.
"We raise money through donations, fundraising, grants and selling items through resale, then assist others in need, including restoring a sense of pride and dignity," explains Wendy Robinson, executive director of the organization.
When Wendy and her husband, Gregg, learned that an O'Fallon family that Marcy was supporting needed a helping hand, they stepped in. What began as one family’s story quickly grew into something much bigger. While Marcy has never been directly involved in Marcy's Project, she definitely was the inspiration that led to the Robinsons founding Marcy’s Project during the fall of 2019.
"Helping one family led to us helping others. As a resource to people going through hard times, we know everyone has different needs when things go wrong," shares Wendy.
Wendy says during COVID-19, they reached out to local nursing homes and school districts to see how they could help. "The response was overwhelming. We raised more than $7,000 to help the Meal Assistance Program in the Francis Howell School District, hand sanitizer and PPE in local nursing homes, and thank you treat trays to those nursing home staff and volunteers."
The nonprofit now works through four major efforts: Marcy's Meals, Marcy's Market, Marcy's Kids and Marcy's Milestones. The meals initiative supports 100 families each month from January through October.
The market at 1245 Jungermann Road provides families in need with free items, including clothing, personal hygiene products, baby essentials, cleaning supplies and paper goods. Families complete a market appointment form and receive an online link to schedule an appointment, followed by receiving assistance from a Marcy volunteer who serves as a personal shopper to assist them. Families are welcome to use the service once every other month.
A Marcy's-operated clothing boutique also is offered at 1247 Jungermann Road on Fridays: 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering affordable clothing and accessories.
The well-being of the local aging community, especially those in nursing homes, is a top priority for this group. Marcy’s Milestones honors residents' birthdays at 10 local nursing homes. Each resident receives a mini-bundt cake and a handmade, personalized birthday card, delivered by a Marcy volunteer on the first of each month. "To date, we've celebrated over 2,300 birthdays!" Wendy shares.
Marcy’s Kids offers complimentary support to children in St. Charles County who are in need. Throughout the year, they offer Easter Baskets, a Holiday Market and Birthday Club. "We also provide Halloween costumes, prom and homecoming dresses and suits," Wendy adds.
There are many ways to support the worthy achievements of this nonprofit. For example, through Nov. 30, they are collecting toys for their upcoming Christmas Market. Additionally, the group's 2nd annual Heart of Gold Charity Gala is slated for March 21, 2026, at Ameristar. It will include a gourmet dinner and signature cocktails, dancing to Griffin and the Gargoyles and a silent/live auction.
Marcy asked that first group of volunteers not to judge, because "what is someone else’s norm may not be our own." Those words of wisdom still guide the nonprofit's supporters to this day.
636.697.3525
MarcysProject.org
"Seeing the smiles from those helped and them leaving with dignity is the best."