The 37th Annual Community Thanksgiving Feast was held Thursday in the Mabee Center at Howard Payne University.

“A big thanks to Howard Payne and what they have done to help make this happen.  The turnout has been tremendous of home deliveries and then take out has been enormous and then the dine-in has been overwhelming,” said Ron Keener, pastor of North Lake Community Church.  The church stepped up this year to organize volunteers and delivery volunteers to make sure the traditional feast could continue.

“We are so blessed, North Lake Community Church and Howard Payne to have been involved with this in partnership this year and to see the success of it again because when you don’t have something for a year, to pick it back up, you wonder how that’s going to look,” Keener said.

It looked great as meals were served from a little before 11:00 am to a little after 1:00 pm.  Meal delivery volunteers were active during that same time period.

“The response of the community, after the Covid challenges, has been absolutely fabulous to see people from all walks of life,” Keener added.

Helping organize the volunteers for North Lake Community Church were Janet and Steve Nash.

“I think the best part about today was just being around the people.  We are so thankful, just for all the volunteers that came out.  Some people delivered not just one batch but they came back again and again,” Janet said.  “It was great fun to be out in the dining room just to be able to visit with people.  My heart is just full of gratitude today.”