The H‑E‑B Feast of Sharing is an annual holiday dinner held in cities all over Texas. However it’s not just a meal, there’s music, arts and crafts, and kids activities.

“My family and I have been volunteering with this organization for about 5 years now,” junior Julia Lewis said. “it’s a really fun event to be apart of.”

Every Feast of Sharing includes about 3,000 pounds of sliced turkey, 2,500 pounds of cornbread dressing, 750 pumpkin pies, 380 gallons of mashed potatoes, 140 gallons of turkey gravy, and 95 gallons of cranberry sauce.

“The amount of food they bring in is crazy, my dad always cooks. He’s the one that started this tradition in our family,” Lewis said.

This year Austin’s Feast of Sharing was held at Palmer Events Center on the evening of November 21st.

“H-E-B has been putting on this dinner for 28 years I believe. It really puts everyone in the holiday spirit,” Julia’s Dad, Will Lewis, said.

The Lewis family is just a few of the thousands of volunteers that helped prepare and serve the meal to the people of Austin in need of a Thanksgiving dinner.

“It really puts things in perspective for me when it comes to the blessings we all have. When I started bringing the family along I noticed them adopt the same kind of attitude,” Will Lewis said.

The more the merrier when it comes to volunteers, H-E-B assures anyone that they can help out as long as they are accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

“I still live in town so getting together with my family and giving our time to this organization is an easy way to bond and help others,” Julia’s sister, and former Bowie student, Angie Lewis said. “It’s always nice to open your heart and do something kind, especially around the holidays.”

At this year’s feast more than 14,000 meals were served. The event also featured a Beatles cover band and a Santa Claus station for all of the kids.

“This year was probably the best one yet, I saw so many live bands and activities. I’m sure everyone had a great time,” Will Lewis said.