This holiday season, the City of McKinney is offering something a little different from the usual lights and festivities: a stand where anyone can stop by for advice, comfort and the kind of warmth only a grandmother can give.

In the center of downtown, tucked between shoppers and holiday decor, sits "The Grandma Stand" staffed by one of three rotating "McKinney Grandmas."

On one chilly Saturday, it's Grandma Nancy, who greets visitors at the farmers market with a smile and a simple message: "We all need a grandma… and grandmas need you."

Nancy, who has four grandchildren of her own, says she was volunteered for the role by her daughter, and she's glad she was.

"I absolutely love it," she said. "Grandmas are nonjudgmental and loving people. Sometimes it's nice to talk to someone who's

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