Grand Central Station has served the Texoma area since opening their doors in 2010. Their purpose is to provide for the underserved and their mission is to provide food, tools for learning, advocacy, life solutions, and an environment of safety for our neighbors in need. Grand Central Station has served over 700,000 client meals and has over 100,000 hours of volunteer and group service since opening.
In 2023, Grand Central Station provided 39,831 lunches and 16,517 breakfasts totaling 210,322 pounds of food. Forty volunteers served 5953 hours to assist clients in need. Eighty percent of guests served are 55 years old or older, and thirty percent of guests are veterans.
With today’s economic crisis and increasing homelessness, Grand Central Station provides invaluable assistance to the community. The facility, its devoted staff, and volunteers provide hot meals, groceries, emergency clothing, hygiene supplies, laundry and shower facilities, internet and computer access, advocacy, and referrals to other agencies. Services include the Dining Car, Children’s Express which provides weekend food distribution for school aged children, Market Food Pantry, Matthew 25 which provides shower and laundry facilities, and Case Management.
Melissa Schmitz, Executive Director, stresses the importance of service and volunteerism in the community with so many people in need. Melissa, an East Texas native with a master’s degree in social work, has always seen the need to help others and find solutions to community problems. After more than a decade of working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, she joined Grand Central Station in the fall of 2023. According to Schmitz, “Our mission is so profound because we not only serve adults but we have programs for kids and other underserved groups. There is a huge need as we not only serve the homeless, but people with short term issues. It’s not just meals. It’s everything.”
Sabrena Keathly, Market Depot Director, matches individuals and families with their food needs in their grocery market. “We don’t just hand out food. Individuals are allowed to shop and pick out their groceries according to their needs. We carry most grocery items and toiletries.”
Of course most of this would not be possible without the dedicated support of volunteers and community partners. Nat McClure is one of those that helps to make these programs possible. He is the owner of Nat McClure - State Farm Insurance in Sherman, and he started his sponsorship of Grand Central Station a couple of years ago to show gratitude for the services they provide to the Texoma community. According to McClure, “Helping and volunteering really gives you a perspective on what is going on in our community. This community is good to us and sponsorship and volunteering gives us a chance to give back. We have a responsibility to make a difference.” Being involved is a family and workplace affair. McClure’s son Grant began volunteering and encouraged his father to get involved as well. Robin Bethel, Nat’s Marketing Director, helped coordinate a recent effort to provide reusable water bottles to Grand Central Station. McClure’s company recently donated 250 customized water bottles to help cut down on waste from disposable water bottles.
Welton Stoker is a faithful volunteer and is one of the many volunteers you will find working diligently to provide food and services to those in need visiting Grand Central Station. Stoker, a retired minister and former teacher at Sherman High School, can be found working at the Station Monday through Friday where he works an average of 5.5 hours per day. He started in 2020 during the covid epidemic and stressed the importance of working with such a worthy organization. “It’s a great ministry and it keeps me busy doing some good work for people in need.”
Lisa Shields, an owner of Shields Construction in Sherman and a Grand Central Station board member serving her first year, can also be found volunteering at the facility in her off time. “Being involved is a great way to give back and I am so happy to be a part.”
Grand Central Station is always in need of volunteers, funds and sponsorships. To be a part of this community organization, contact Melissa Schmitz at execdir@grandcentralsherman.com to find out how you can contribute or volunteer.
Case Management is one of the newest programs available with Grand Central Station. Education services, financial assistance, and employment services are provided to empower individuals to thrive on their own. The goal is to prevent families from becoming homeless and finding housing solutions for the underserved.