Contributed
to the Observer
Pastor Rick Hagans began what has become an East Alabama Thanksgiving tradition 40 years ago.
What started off as Hagans and some college buddies taking a turkey or two to folks he said he knew would be hungry on Thanksgiving, has grown into an annual event that feeds thousands.
This year‘s Thanksgiving feed will center out of Harvest Evangelism’s big tent which will be set up on the lawn in front of Lakeview Baptist Church (1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, Alabama). Volunteers who would like to serve are invited to come out to the Big Top at Lakeview beginning Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m.
The meals, a full-on Thanksgiving feast, will be plated up there. Anyone who needs a Thanksgiving meal can come by anytime from 8 a.m. to noon and pick up a plate. They can pick up as many plates as they need. They will also receive a real Thanksgiving “pick me up” when they come by the tent where all those who are volunteering are encouraged to share what they are thankful for.
The crowd of volunteers stop every hour to share words and prayers of Thanksgiving. Each year it’s been those simple words of gratefulness and gratitude that have proved most fulfilling.
The meals served help the folks’ stomachs. The word of thanks shared with each other help fill folks’ hearts. Men’s souls are more in need of filling than their stomachs. Harvest Evangelism strives to help fill both, at least a little, on Thanksgiving Day.
It takes a lot of food and faith to feed a multitude. Last year over 2,000 meals were prepared and served. This year, the need will be even greater and Harvest Evangelism is asking for help to meet this need.
All manner of Thanksgiving food will help feed hungry friends and neighbors. The organization is asking for 200 to 300 turkeys and hens. Additionally, the organization is asking for 100 to 200 trays of dressing, along with side items such as corn, Mac ‘n cheese, green beans, baked beans. Desserts, too: pumpkin or pecan pies, cakes of every kind — Thanksgiving needs so, etching “sweet” to settle all that turkey and dressing.
Anyone providing donations can bring them by Harvest Thrift Store (1750 Opelika Road in Auburn), Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can also be dropped at the office — which is located on the side of Harvest Thrift Store (1750 Opelika Road Suite C, Auburn Alabama).
Harvest Evangelism asked that people cook the food items before dropping them off as it is only residential ovens at His Place and Hosana Home which makes cooking more difficult.
The ideal is to drop food off Thanksgiving morning at Lakeview Baptist Church (corner of East
Glenn Avenue and University Drive), the organization said.
Finacial donations can be made online at harvestevangelism.org. Specify the thanksgiving need. Financial donations can also be delivered in person at the Harvest Evangelism offices right the front desk at the Harvest Thrift Store. Checks should be made out to Harvest Evangelism and put Thanksgiving meal on the envelope. J
Harvest Evangelism said it costs $4 to $4.50 per meal. Harvest Evnaglism will also deliver meals, or several, to those in need in the community.
Contact 334-742-0777 or email gwalker@harvestevangelism.org to share addresses of those in need.
Hagans will be delivering food Thanksgiving morning and shared his number as well to those in need, 334-332-3932.