Phillip Gabbert, Chaplain and Adjutant of VFW Post Home 8560 of Sulphur Springs and his fellow officers are spearheading a “Pay it Forward’ Thanksgiving meal for First Responders on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, 2020. starting at 11:30am, til it’s all gone. The traditional Thanksgiving take-out plate can be picked up in a drive-thru fashion at the covered entranceway of Patriot Hall, located at 1 Veterans Drive, located along East Industrial Drive. Also, if you wish to come inside, sit down and enjoy your meal there, that is also fine. The Patriot Hall ballroom has plenty of room for social distancing. The meal is free, but if you wish to give a donation or contribution, that is fine too.
According to Gabbert, ‘local businessman Ralph Bryant originally had this idea, along with his church, to prepare and serve our first responders a Thanksgiving meal in appreciation for their services. However, Ralph’s church family was not able to assist in the effort this year, so he reached out to the VFW officers. Gabbert said, “We will have turkey and the trimmings, and each plate will go out with our thanks to the city and county law enforcement, Firefighters, EMS and others who give up their time to keep our community safe at all times. And if there’s someone who is alone on Thanksgiving, they are welcome to have a meal on us too. Also, if there is someone who does not need a meal but wishes to join our efforts with a donation or contribution, that will gladly be accepted. Because we have the facilities and because we like to help in the community, we gladly seized the opportunity this year. And we will welcome a partnership with a church to carry this out for First Responders at Thanksgiving in 2021. From the officers and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8560, we wish everyone in our community a happy and safe Thanksgiving!”
