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The end of the year always brings reflection for us. When I look over the last year, one story in particular sticks out to me. We went on a year-long journey with a beloved client. We’ll call him Tom. When I first started volunteering at TOPSS, back when we were in the old building by the cemetery, Tom was a longtime client I often shopped with. He was tall, thin, gentle, a little hard of hearing, and always ready to laugh and joke around. He didn’t ask for much. He was a true sweetheart. As I became more involved at TOPSS, I learned that Tom lived in a small shed on a farm outside of town, among a small group of people who were unhoused. Over time, I started to see his situation decline. His truck broke down, and he couldn’t afford to fix it, so he couldn’t leave the farm unless someone gave him a ride. His phone broke, leaving him with no way to communicate. When he could get into town, he would ask for me and catch me up on whatever was going on in his life. I gently tried to talk with him about housing options, but the farm was all he had known for a long time. He liked living in the country. He had a friend there. He liked working on tractors and being around the farm. I didn’t push. I brought food out to everyone on the farm. Sometimes there were arguments. Sometimes food went missing. It wasn’t perfect, but it was his world. As the pantry grew busier and my role changed, it became harder to make the trip out there. The road was difficult. I once got stuck in the mud when I was bringing Tom back from an appointment, and that alone was an ordeal. I worried about Tom often, but I had to pull back because the needs at the pantry were increasing every day. In early January, we learned that Tom’s friend on the farm had passed away. Later that month, during a stretch of subzero temperatures, we got a knock at the door. An Uber driver was at the door. He said he’d brought someone from the hospital. I looked out to see Tom step out from behind the car door. He was wearing paper clothes and carrying a bundle of blackened, melted fabric. His shed had caught fire, and he barely escaped. He had burns and was visibly shaken. We brought him inside, warmed him up, and gave him clothes from our closet, supported by Thread Up Oxford. Our interns were in tears. This was our friend. Of all people, it just felt unbearably unfair. Not that anyone ever deserves something like that. At the time, we were running a cold shelter using hotel rooms, and I tried to get Tom checked in. The hotels were hesitant because he had no ID. I ended up driving him back to the farm to see if we could find his wallet in the remains. When we arrived, people were already going through what was left of his belongings and moving them to their camps. It was heartbreaking. We couldn’t find an ID. I sat in the car with Tom while he called the only other friend he had and asked if he could stay for a few days. The friend, understandably, said no. They had recently dealt with bed bugs from Tom’s friend and couldn’t risk it again. We sat in silence for a few minutes. Eventually, thanks to Nicola’s advocacy, one of the hotels agreed to take Tom on our word that we would cover any issues. That was easy to promise. Tom was no trouble at all. Over the next weeks, Tom was in and out of the hospital as his burns were treated. Through it all, he stayed gentle and kind. When I brought him food to his roadside motel room, he told me he felt like he was staying at the plaza. He couldn’t believe he had lived so long without running water or heat. Chase, our social worker, took him to medical appointments. We kept extending his hotel stay. And then, finally, an apartment came through. We were ecstatic! We helped move him in and made sure he had everything. A bed. A chair. A TV. A microwave. Towels. Dish soap. All the little things people need to live. Tom was thrilled. He eventually got a small scooter so he could get back and forth to the store. We helped him get a phone. We delivered food weekly and kept taking him to follow-up appointments. As time went on, we noticed he was struggling to keep up with cleaning and laundry. We tried to connect him with help, but it became harder to reach him. He stopped answering the phone and the door. In December, Tom called Chase and said he needed an ambulance because his back had gone out and he couldn’t get up. We didn’t know then that it would be the last time we would hear from him. Tom unexpectedly passed away at the hospital. They called us because our number was listed from the many times Chase had taken him to appointments. We were the only contact Tom had. They asked if we knew of any family. We didn’t. We were heartbroken. And yet, in a strange way, I’m grateful that Tom had us. We did everything we could to give him one last chance. After decades of being unhoused, he had a home. He was warm. He was cared for. He had people in his corner. As the year closes, I find myself wondering how many people out there only have us. And how meaningful that is. This is what we want to be. Support for people who have no support. Presence when there’s no one else to call. We are honored to fill that role. We were honored to be a part of Tom’s story. I wrestled with whether to share this. It feels deeply personal, and there’s always a line between telling a story and protecting someone’s dignity. But sharing it also feels like a kind of closure. A way to honor someone we cared about, and the work that allowed him to be seen, housed, and cared for at the end of his life. Thank you for being part of the work that makes stories like Tom’s possible. (Some details were changed for privacy)

When it comes to creating healthy meals, most people envision fresh produce, organic meats, and gourmet ingredients. However, did you know that your pantry could be a treasure trove of healthy options? Canned goods often get a bad rap, yet they can be the stars of your culinary adventures. Packed with nutrients and shelf-stable, canned goods are convenient and versatile, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. Let’s explore how to transform these unsung heroes into creative recipes that just might become your new favorites. The Benefits of Canned Goods Canned goods are incredibly convenient. They have a long shelf life, which means you can stock up without worrying about spoilage. They also save time on meal prep since they require minimal cooking. From beans and tomatoes to fruits and vegetables, canned goods are often picked and processed at peak freshness, retaining many nutrients and flavors. With delicious and nutritious options at your fingertips, it’s easy to whip up quick meals without compromising your health goals. Canned Beans: The Versatile Powerhouse Beans are one of the healthiest canned options available. They're high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins while being low in fat. One creative way to use canned beans is in a delicious and hearty Mediterranean Bean Salad . Simply drain and rinse a few cans of assorted beans like chickpeas and black beans. Toss them with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and a tangy lemon dressing. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavor, and enjoy it as a side dish or main course. Another delightful option is to make a Spicy Black Bean Soup . Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot, add several cans of black beans, vegetable broth, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Let it simmer, then blend for a creamy texture or leave it chunky, depending on your preference. Serve it topped with cilantro, avocado, and lime for extra zest. This soup is not just flavorful; it’s also loaded with protein and fiber. Canned Vegetables: Quick and Nutritious Canned vegetables can be a lifesaver during the week when you’re short on time. They can easily be added to stir-fries, casseroles, or even smoothies! One fantastic way to incorporate canned vegetables is by creating a Vegetable Stir-fry . Use canned corn, green beans, and diced tomatoes alongside fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Sauté everything in a bit of olive oil, add some soy sauce, and serve it over brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. Additionally, canned pumpkin can work wonders in Pumpkin Soup or Pumpkin Pasta Sauce . Just combine canned pumpkin with vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, and your favorite herbs. Blend until smooth and serve with whole-grain bread. The pumpkin adds a creamy texture while being low in calories and high in nutrients, particularly vitamin A. Canned Fish: A Seafood Sensation Canned fish, particularly tuna and salmon, are excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. A quick and easy dish is Tuna Quinoa Salad . Mix canned tuna with cooked quinoa, diced red onion, bell pepper, and a light vinaigrette. This protein-packed meal is great for lunch and can be prepared in just a few minutes. For those looking for a fancier option, try making a Salmon Patties . Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onions, and spices. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden brown. These are a hit for a main dish and can be served with a simple salad or whole-grain bun for a delightful meal. Canned Fruits: Sweet and Healthy Treats Don’t overlook canned fruits — they can be a healthy addition to your meals, too! Canned fruits are perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or even salads. A simple idea is to create a Fruit Salad Parfait using canned peaches or pineapple, layers of Greek yogurt, and granola. This delicious treat makes for a fantastic breakfast or snack, packed with protein and vitamins. Another fun recipe is a Tropical Coconut Chia Pudding . Combine canned coconut milk with chia seeds and a bit of honey, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The next morning, add your favorite canned tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a refreshing and nutrient-packed breakfast that is sure to start your day right. Tips for Cooking with Canned Goods Rinse Thoroughly : Always rinse canned beans and vegetables to reduce sodium content and improve their flavor. Read the Labels : Choose canned goods without added sugars, preservatives, or excessive sodium. Opt for those with minimal ingredients for the healthiest choices. Get Creative with Spices : Canned goods can be a blank canvas for flavor! Enhance your dishes with various herbs and spices to elevate the taste. Mix Fresh and Canned : Don’t hesitate to combine fresh ingredients with canned goods. This approach balances cost, convenience, and nutrition. Plan Ahead : Recipe planning can alleviate the stress of dinner prep. Canned goods are great for quick meals, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Conclusion Canned goods are a fantastic resource for creating healthy meals, offering convenience, nutrition, and flexibility. By experimenting with various canned items, you can whip up quick and wholesome dishes that will impress your taste buds. Whether you’re making a salad, soup, or dessert, don’t underestimate what’s in your pantry! So, next time you're at the grocery store, remember that those cans could very well be the secret ingredient to your next culinary masterpiece. Grab a few cans, get creative, and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating!

When people ask, "What’s the best way I can contribute to TOPSS?" the answer is simple: volunteer your time or donate resources. But for many, that doesn’t feel like enough. Why? Because these two actions aren’t just helpful; they’re the foundation of lasting change. In every community, eager individuals strive to make a difference. They aim to create change, uplift others, and be part of something meaningful. If that resonates with you, the best way to channel that energy is to work alongside organizations that align with your values. Your time and support directly impact the lives of those served and strengthen the backbone of nonprofits like TOPSS. Why Volunteering Matters More Than You Think Volunteering isn’t merely about filling a shift—it’s about creating ripple effects. When volunteers step in, they free up professional staff to focus on complex, behind-the-scenes work like case management and securing funding. At the same time, a friendly face offering a smile or lending a listening ear can brighten someone’s day more than you realize. Beyond that, volunteering builds community, connecting like-minded people who share a passion for making a difference. This connection fosters social capital —networks and relationships that open doors to new opportunities for both volunteers and clients alike! The Power of Donations If volunteering isn’t possible for you right now, financial support is equally critical. Donations help nonprofits: Keep essential programs running Provide emergency assistance Cover operational costs that maintain efficient and effective services Why Not Start Something New? Passionate about addressing community needs? That’s inspiring. But instead of starting from scratch, consider strengthening what already exists. Established nonprofits like TOPSS have the infrastructure, resources, and expertise to make an immediate impact. Your support helps scale that impact without duplicating efforts. Change is always welcome—but effective progress comes from understanding both the big picture and the details. By working within established systems, you help create thoughtful, sustainable growth. At TOPSS, as we expand and grow, we are especially mindful of preserving what works well. We've instituted changes through trial and error and have a solid grasp on what is effective. That said, we remain open-minded, embrace challenges, and welcome fresh ideas rooted in understanding and collaboration. The Need in Our Community Consider this: In 2024, the TOPSS food pantry served 1,397 individuals and prevented 138 evictions through rent and utility assistance. These aren’t merely numbers; they represent real people—neighbors, friends, families. How You Can Make a Difference Right Now Volunteer:  One shift a month can change a life. Donate:  Every dollar fuels programs that keep families housed, fed, and supported. Amplify the Impact:  Share this message. Bring a friend. Start conversations about the needs in our community. Be the Change You Want to See Creating lasting change starts with simple actions. Show up. Lend a hand. Support the organizations already making a difference. At TOPSS, we believe change starts with people like you. Let’s build a stronger community together. For volunteer opportunities or to donate, explore the tabs of topss.org or contact us at info@topss.org.

Sign up to Volunteer Volunteer Registration We always need volunteers! Please click one of the links below. For individual volunteering, you'll create an account before you are able to view shifts. Check our available volunteer shifts first! If none work for your schedule, email Maggie at maggie@topss.org for help. Individual Having trouble? Let us show you how to sign up! Here's an example of how to do curbside shopping (fulfilling customer orders).

TOPSS is a food pantry that services the Talawanda School District. TOPSS connects individuals and families to essential resources and empowers them toward stability and well-being. DONATE NOW Follow us on Instagram @topsspantry Load More

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