FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2025

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Thanksgiving is about more than food — it’s about community. This year, Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Food Service Management program embraced that spirit by preparing 40 turkeys for the Union Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving meal outreach, doubling last year’s contribution of 20.

The turkeys, donated by Harry Green Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with help from Walmart Fairmont — Tygart Mall Loop, will ensure that individuals and families in the Fairmont area who might otherwise go without can share in the holiday tradition.

Food Service Management faculty and students dedicated hours to seasoning, roasting, and preparing the turkeys, providing a hands-on experience that combined culinary training with community service.

“Community partnerships like this allow our students to apply their skills in a meaningful way,” said Natalie Feltz, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator for Food Service Management. “Preparing 40 turkeys for Union Rescue Mission isn’t just about cooking; it’s about giving back and understanding the impact food has on people’s lives. These experiences reinforce why we do what we do: to serve, to learn, and to make a difference.”

For students, the project was more than just a lesson in large-scale food preparation. Many were able to count their volunteer hours toward their WV Invests Grant, which promotes service as part of its higher education funding.

“It felt good to help out the community, especially while working with the people around me,” said current student Matthias Freeman, who will graduate in May. “It was a good lesson.”

The Union Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving outreach is a longstanding tradition that provides hundreds of meals to those in need. Partnerships like this highlight the power of collaboration and Pierpont’s commitment to serving North Central West Virginia.

“Partnering with Pierpont Culinary School to prepare our Thanksgiving turkeys made a tremendous impact on this year’s outreach,” said Jacci Maier, Development Director of the Union Rescue Mission in Fairmont. “Their team not only ensured that hundreds of families received a warm, nutritious holiday meal, but also demonstrated what community collaboration looks like at its best. When local organizations share their skills and resources, we’re able to extend hope further and feed more of our neighbors in need. We are deeply grateful for Pierpont Culinary School’s commitment to serving our community alongside the Union Rescue Mission.”

The Union Rescue Mission has a sign-up form available on its Facebook page for the Thanksgiving meals.

To learn more about Pierpont’s Food Service Management program, visit Pierpont.edu.

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Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.

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