Feast of Sharing seeks big turnout Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 04:51 AM By Hailey Persinger
Killeen Daily Herald

The city of Killeen has teamed up with H-E-B to combat hunger during the holidays and bring together members of the community.

More than 300 volunteers are needed for each of the event's two shifts, which start at 3:30 and 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

During last year's first statewide Feast of Sharing event, nearly 800 Killeen residents turned out to volunteer to serve a holiday meal to those who might otherwise have been unable to afford one.

This year, the city's volunteer services department is recruiting people for the same cause, but Tamra Jones, H-E-B public affairs specialist, said the invitation is extended to every community member regardless of their level of need.

"I think maybe some of the messaging last year was that you had to be a homeless person or someone definitely in need," she said. "You don't have to be a homeless person to attend this event. Everybody's invited to come."

The company plans to feed about 250,000 people throughout Texas and parts of Mexico. Jones said the turnout could surpass that estimate given the difficult economic times.

Wilfred Brewster, director of volunteer services, said the influx of volunteers is steady, but with 1st Cavalry Division soldiers beginning their return to Fort Hood and some people hurting financially, even more volunteers are needed.

Volunteers will serve food, clean up and make participants feel welcome. Live entertainment and children's activities are also part of the event.

Jones said she hopes this year's event will bring in an even bigger crowd than last year's.

"Our attendance was great, but we hope to increase those numbers this year and really reach out to the public," she said.

Contact Hailey Persinger at haileyp@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7568.