TOPSS celebrates grand opening of new facility
“This building right here is a testament to months of planning and countless volunteers.”
The Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS) celebrated the grand opening of a new building on its property at 5445 College Corner Pike.
The new facility, which broke ground nearly a year ago on July 30, 2025, cost around $1.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to build. The City of Oxford also contributed $300,000 to furnish the new building.
It provides more cold storage for food, including a walk-in freezer and cooler, team offices and a full pantry and market.
The interior of the new TOPSS building provides more space and room for the organization to continue its operations. Photo by Aidan Cornue.
Sherry Martin, executive director of TOPSS, said the new layout creates a more efficient experience for visitors and staff.
Martin added the biggest challenge with the previous setup was having staff communicate and move supplies between two separate facilities.
“It’s been a challenge for everybody and (now) we can work together better as a team,” Martin said. “Now we are all in one space.”
The two other facilities on the TOPSS property will no longer be in operation, Martin said.
TOPSS will assess the two old facilities to determine what they can be used for next, and Martin said the organization will have a better idea by the end of the year.
“The same care and thought that went into the development of this (new) space will also go into the development of these (old) spaces … in the months ahead,” Steve Large, chair of the TOPSS board, said.
“This building right here is a testament to months of planning and countless volunteers,” Large said. “It is also a testament to exceptional leadership by Sherry Martin.”
Since Martin started as the organization’s executive director in 2021, TOPSS has increased its households served to 1,700 – nearly a 200% increase in five years, according to Large.
Additionally, Large added that Martin and TOPSS staff have contributed to a 400% increase in fundraising since 2021.
TOPSS Executive Director Sherry Martin and Steve Large, chair of the TOPSS board, speak during the grand opening ceremony on July 17, 2026. Photo by Aidan Cornue.
Martin said it’s a “privilege” that TOPSS is able to operate in the new building
“We’re incredibly grateful to work in this beautiful building every day,” Martin said. “Most nonprofits don’t have a nice building like this. We are aware of that (and) we couldn’t be happier to share all this building and everything with you.”
Martin added that locals’ commitment to helping others was a large factor in the creation of the new facility.
“This town is full of people who give and give and give generously,” Martin said.
Martin also expressed her gratitude to the TOPSS team, including Director of Resource Coordination and Program Development Nicola Rodrigues, Director of Pantry Operations and Volunteer Engagement Maggie Lubbers, Housing Stability Coordinator Chase Walter, Pantry Coordinator Lake Bauman and others.
“These people make this place run every day,” Martin said. “All of them care about the community, care about the people that walk through these doors (and) I’m incredibly honored to work with these people.”
TOPSS, with the new facility open, now has the ability to “do more than (its) ever done,” Martin said.
