Howard Payne University and the Brownwood area started the holiday season recently with the 31st annual Community Thanksgiving Feast.

Approximately 100 volunteers from around the community served 2,127 meals to their friends and neighbors. Volunteers delivered 1,438 of those meals to homes in the area, while 689 people enjoyed the food and fellowship at HPU’s Mabee University Center.

“We could not do this each year without help from the volunteers who chose to serve others on Thanksgiving,” said Bill Fishback, assistant vice president for business and human resources. “We are very blessed to live in a country where we can freely celebrate God’s blessings with our friends.”

A variety of area business and organizations are responsible for the event’s success including the Abilene Reporter-News, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Brownwood Bulletin, BrownwoodNews.com, KPSM, KOXE, KXYL, Kroger, Sodexo Food Service and Walmart.

“I also want to thank the people in this area who gave so graciously to support the Community Thanksgiving Feast,” said Fishback. “Again this year, we were able to pay for the food we served because of your generous donations. To everyone who helped, thank you again for reminding me that Thanksgiving really is about God’s blessings and our ability to share them with those around us.”

Pictured above: Dr. Lois Patton, HPU professor of business administration, was among the approximately 100 volunteers at the 31st annual Community Thanksgiving Feast.