The Talawanda and Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS) agency continues to grow since its merger with the Family Resource Center, both in people served and in community involvement.
“Every day we open, we see someone new,” said Sherry Martin, 42, the executive director at TOPSS. “Just last night I posted that we needed pasta and rice, and by this morning someone had come in and donated some.”
Since Martin took over the position three years ago, the amount of people TOPSS gives aid to has expanded by up to 400%, according to Martin. TOPSS merged with the FRC in May 2024, which was a large step forward in their path toward expansion.
“Since we merged with the Oxford [Family Resource Center] we’ve been able to grow more and more,” Martin said. “We even just received ARBA funding to build a new pantry on our lot.”
The organization provides pantry services along with utility and rent assistance to those in need in the local area. Martin envisions TOPSS as a resource not just for the food insecure, but for anyone needing help with mobility, transportation, or who simply doesn’t want to be alone.
Martin embodies this commitment. “I didn’t even know what I wanted to do when I was younger, but I come from a long line of people who try to help others,” she said. “My parents were always the kind of people who would drop whatever they were doing to help someone. That’s just what you do.”
Located at 5445 College Corner Pike, TOPSS is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
“We try to help people gain access to support and equip them to best use it,” said Nicola Rodrigues, the director of social services at TOPSS.
Martin said being in a college town encourages community support. TOPSS collaborates with local businesses and sustainable charities to ensure long-term assistance. She highlighted the collaboration with Funds2Orgs, a national fundraising group, which donates old shoes to developing countries and teaches locals how to refurbish them.
Despite how ready TOPSS is to aid anyone who might need it, people still struggle to accept that help.
Rodrigues and Martin said they believe that, for some, there is embarrassment or shame in going to a food pantry. But there doesn’t need to be.
“I know it’s hard to ask for help, but I want everyone to feel comfortable coming in,” Martin said. “There’s no judgment here, and we’re always happy to help.”
