MARLIN, Texas (KXXV) – “We desperately need to repair our building so we can give back to the community,” said Falconer Stamp Center President Albert Manigo.

Neighbors in Marlin are relying on the community’s help to reopen a building that holds a lot of history for local residents.

The Falconer Stamp Center in Marlin was once the city’s first library open to African-American students.

Then it became a place for meetings, gatherings and celebrations.

Since COVID-19, the center has received little funding.

But the center’s president, Albert Manigo, said they are working to restore everything to its original state.

“If they want to have class reunions, family reunions or other events, we should be able to get back to work here as soon as we get everything back in order,” Manigo said.

The center needs volunteers and donations for the repairs.

Manigo said 25 messages The Falls County Commissioner Court has already provided some assistance in the form of grants.

“We’ve taken advantage of that and we have new wiring, we have new electricity and we have new materials that are paid for. All that stuff is ready to go, but we can’t put it in there now because it’s not suitable,” Manigo said.

Representatives of the group said they hope the center can be repaired and used for after-school programs, GED programs, a place to provide services to the socially disadvantaged and even a robotics club for our community’s students.

“This would be the right place because we need a small space and I think this would be the right place for us to do the training and bring the kids,” said Hermetta Paul, representative of the Falconer Center.

A measure that, we are told, will benefit the entire community.

“We’re just asking for volunteers. Come out and support us. We’re just trying to give back to the community to make Falls County and Marlin, Texas, a much better place,” Manigo said.

If you would like to support the Falconer Stamp Center through volunteerism or donations, please contact Falconer Center officials or President Albert Manigo.

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