The 31st annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University will once again usher in the holiday season for area residents. It is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the HPU Mabee University Center.

The 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.

“When we opened our newly renovated Mabee University Center for Homecoming a few days ago, I also knew we would soon be celebrating Thanksgiving there with friends in the area,” said Bill Fishback, assistant vice president for business and human resources at HPU. “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 will help serve meals at the Mabee Center or deliver meals in Brownwood and Early to those who cannot join us on campus. We have always been able to provide the meals at no cost because of the donations from the caring people and organizations in Brown County. Despite starting with less money than normal to cover the cost of the meals, this community always comes through, so I am confident the money will be there by the time the bills must be paid.”

Anyone unable to join friends and neighbors at the Mabee Center can have meals delivered to his or her home by calling the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at (325) 646-9535 by noon on Friday, November 21.

According to Fishback, the staff members of HPU’s Sodexo Food Service give up their holiday to prepare the meals.

“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 711 meals at the Mabee Center and 1,308 meals were provided to those 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.”

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

“They 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.