THE DINING CAR
Located at 110 S. Throckmorton in Sherman, Grand Central Station (GCS) is a non-profit corporation with tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3). We operate as a local outreach sponsored by a group of Grayson County churches and volunteers that share a commitment to help reduce the effects of resource limitations. GCS helps the underserved population by serving nutritious meals to alleviate hunger, assist with other needs such as showers, laundry facilities, and referrals to other groups and individuals for medical, dental, and other social services. We survive from donations of food and money from local donors, foundations, and businesses. Most of our food is donated or purchased through North Texas Food Bank in Dallas for very economical prices. We supplement some needs with cash and grant donations.
The primary service of the Dining Car is to is to provide hot, nutritious lunch meals for anyone in need, with a family-friendly environment and emphasis on a much-needed social experience and for those who have no other way to receive necessary nutrition. Our long-range goals are to provide multiple services for the under-served in our area. We work with other community organizations and agencies to enhance current aid and not duplicate services.
GCS serves the homeless and indigent population of Sherman, Denison, and greater Texoma. We serve all ages without question. Open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Coffee, juice, and other breakfast foods are served to visitors early each day. A hot lunch is served Monday – Friday. On Saturdays GCS is open for volunteers from 8:30 -10 AM who prepare substantial “To-Go” brown bag lunches for pick up that day by our visitors in need.
Since 2010, through July 2017 GCS has served 233,351 meals served through Dec 2017 and has donated 55,960 volunteer hours though Dec 2017. Over 150 volunteers work in teams of 5 per day each day. Many churches have groups who serve one day a month. Other days are covered by individuals who want to serve. Volunteer greeters meet our patrons at the front door offering direction to new attendees and do various jobs in the Dining Room.
GCS utilizes donations of food and money in the community to feed our patrons. A local bakery donates a birthday cake each month and we celebrate all those having a birthday during that month. We serve Thanksgiving Dinner and have a large Christmas Celebration on December 24. Gift bags are put together by volunteers for each adult and each child. These gifts are donated by people in the community.
Local charitable organizations, businesses, churches, and individuals are the strength of our organization and we are so grateful for the cooperation and generosity of these volunteers and groups.