The 29th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University will once again usher in the holiday season for area residents. The event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at HPU’s Mabee University Center.
The annual tradition has been supported throughout the years by numerous individuals and organizations. Last year, more than 2,000 meals were served on campus and through the home-delivery program.
“Before I began working on it, people were asking if they can help with the Thanksgiving meal at Howard Payne again this year,” said Bill Fishback, assistant vice president for business and human resources at HPU. “I am thrilled this community-wide effort of neighbors caring for neighbors is that important to those who serve each year. Another heart-warming aspect of the day is being able to provide the meals to our friends at no cost because of the donations from the caring people and organizations in this community.”
The traditional Thanksgiving meal, prepared by the staff of HPU’s Sodexo Services, will consist of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Last year, volunteers served 691 meals at the Mabee Center and delivered 1,348 meals to area residents. Those who are living in Brownwood and Early and are unable to attend the feast at the Mabee Center can have meals delivered to their homes by calling the Brownwood-Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 by noon on Friday, November 16.
“Because people were so generous last year, we have money left over to help us get started with this year’s meal,” Fishback said. “The community always comes through, so I am not worried about paying the bills.”
According to Fishback, many of the volunteers have helped for years and make serving others part of their annual Thanksgiving traditions.
“The most difficult part of coordinating the event is finding enough jobs for all of the people who want to help, and that’s a great problem to have,” he said.
Fishback said volunteers enjoy visiting with each other and guests while working to serve the meals as quickly as possible.
“I am truly blessed to live in a community where so many people willingly give their time and money to support this wonderful event,” he said. “We hope to be part of a Thanksgiving Day filled with joy as we give thanks to the Lord for blessing us in so many ways.”
Volunteers do not need to call in advance.
“They simply need to show up at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and we will put them to work,” Fishback said.
To help support the Thanksgiving meal, please make checks payable to the “Community Thanksgiving Feast” and send them to Bill Fishback at Howard Payne University, 1000 Fisk Street, Suite 210, Brownwood, Texas 76801.
Pictured above: Volunteers serve the community at Howard Payne University’s annual Community Thanksgiving Feast last year. Photo contributed.
