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Community invited to lunch at HPU Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Meal at HPU 2017 for webBROWNWOOD – October 27, 2017 – The 34th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University will once again usher in the holiday season for area residents and visitors. The meal is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at HPU’s Mabee University Center.

The tradition has been supported throughout the years by numerous individuals and organizations. Last year, more than 2,275 meals were served on campus and through the home-delivery program.

“The crisp mornings we have enjoyed lately remind us that it is again time to plan for a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends at HPU’s Mabee University Center,” said Bill Fishback, associate vice president for business and human resources. “This community-wide effort of neighbors caring for neighbors seems to be as important to those who serve as it is to those who enjoy the meal each year. Volunteers can help serve meals at the Mabee Center or deliver meals to those in Brownwood and Early who cannot join us on campus.”

According to Fishback, HPU has never charged for the meals at this event because of the generous donations from the caring people and organizations in Brown County. For several years, the balance remaining in the donation account after Thanksgiving was enough to pay a large portion of the bill for the following year’s meal. This year, there will not be as much as hoped. For the first time in many years, approximately $6,500 will need to be raised to pay for the food served this Thanksgiving.

“Thus far, the Lord has always met our need and I am believing the money will be there by the time the bills must be paid this year,” said Fishback.

The staff of Howard Payne’s Sodexo Food Service give up their holiday to prepare the meals. Numerous volunteers help serve.

“Many of the volunteers have helped for years, making serving others part of their annual Thanksgiving tradition,” said Fishback.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal will consist of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings.

“Last year, we served 625 meals at the Mabee Center and 1,650 meals were provided to those in the community who were unable to join us for lunch,” Fishback said. “The volunteers enjoy visiting with each other and our guests as they work to serve the meals as quickly as possible. Too often, we take for granted the fact that we are very blessed to live in a community where so many people willingly give their time and money to support this wonderful event. We look forward to being part of another joy-filled Thanksgiving Day as we also give thanks to the Lord for blessing us in so many ways.”

According to Fishback, volunteers do not need to call to let the university know they are coming.

“Volunteers simply need to show up at the Mabee Center at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and we will put them to work,” he said.

The Mabee University Center is located at 1219 Fisk Street, on the HPU campus. Anyone unable to join friends and neighbors at the Mabee Center can have meals delivered to his or her home in Brownwood or Early by calling the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 by noon on Monday, November 20.

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.

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Cutline: The 34th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, at HPU’s Mabee University Center. All are invited and volunteers are welcome.

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