There are so many good things about a small town. Everybody knows everyone, so if something happens to a family, the community reaches out and lends a hand.  This was the beginning of an idea Iesha Young and Linda Meskimen had to help those in need after disaster struck families in Frost.  The idea turned into a discussion on how to help families whose houses had burned or who had fallen on hard times. The local churches got involved along with the citizens of Frost to help people in the area.  Bobby and Millie Vickery donated the building for the new Community Center. Pastor Leah Hidde-Gregory, of the Frost United Methodist Church, is hoping that the Community Center will be the start of a area wide boost for the people who need the help.

The Center has a food pantry for those who live in the following zip codes: 76641, 75102, 76626, 76650, 76666 and 76660. They may receive food once a week, only one bag of food per four family members. Assistance is limited to food, job search assistance and clothing.  No monetary assistance is provided.

With more volunteers, the center plans to be open in the afternoons for after-school tutoring and a place for the young people to have a place to go and to keep out of trouble.  The center hosts a variety of activities such as playing pool, board games, art classes, crocheting, scrap booking, “chillin' with your buddies” and to hopefully bring the community, from all ages, together to learn from each other.

Another one of the programs is Girl Scouting.   Candace Wachowiak is the Coordinator for the areas surrounding Frost. With only eight troops around the area, she is looking forward to getting troops started in Frost. Girl Scouts can range from first grade to twelfth grade and has opportunities for scholarships and great adventures for girls of all ages.

Amber Meeks started Girl Scouts in first grade and finished the program in her senior year. She earned the Gold Award, which is the equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award.  The Girl Scouts will be helping out the Food Pantry to earn their community service badge.

The building that now houses the center has taken on many forms from tire storage for the service station to more recently serving as a gift shop, and now the present day center. “This will be a central place for the community to have and to grow,” Mrs. Vickery commented.  “We donated the building to get a good use out of it."

To volunteer or for more information, Pastor Leah Hidde-Gregory can be contacted at (903) 682-2721. 

"This is something that we have been trying to do for a couple of years," Iesha Young said. The Frost Volunteer Fire department has been working out of the station to help families and will continue to help the Community Center.

The hours of operation for the Frost Community Center are Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every third Saturday of the month.

---