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September 20, 2009 was the last Free Meal 3rd Sunday. Richland Springs Volunteer Fire Station hosted each Free Meal 3rd Sunday. The monthly event started March 15, 2009 and finished September 20, 2009.

Many people "traveling through" and from different counties enjoyed the fellowship, food served, many desserts, and sharing. Meals were free to all. Donations were received from anyone wanting to donate to the meal. Donations were used for the purchase of food for the next free meal.

The September 20, 2009 donation was added to the extra funds available from previous months. The Free Meal 3rd Sunday purchased a new General Electric stove. The GE Electric Stove was donated to the Richland Springs Volunteer Fire Department because of their hard work and willingness to help make Free Meal 3rd Sunday a success. Dale McKinnerney, mayor of Richland Springs, gave a talk of appreciation for Free meal 3rd Sunday and the "outreach" the meal and fellowship had in the community. Teri McKinnerney took pictures of the dedication.

Volunteers of the community, different counties, and the volunteer fire department were greatly appreciated. These include: Jerry and Shirley Benton, Doug and Wanda Gibson, Doc and Barbara Fisher, Mike, Tina and Winston Poe, Mary Maxcey, Weldon and Pat Faught, Ginger Skelton, Woody and JoAnn Carroll, Billie George McKinnerney, Benton and Marilyn Miller, John and Carolyn Sprinkles, Bill and Marcell Rolen, and Walter and Arlene Stratton. All these volunteers were responsible for moving firetrucks out of the firestation, sitting up tables and chairs, preparation of food, serving lines, making tea/coffee, setting up desserts and serving at dessert tables and volunteering for clean-up each time.

The desserts were made by ladies from everywhere. One faithful lady brought the best banana pudding and pies. This was Kay McKee of Richland Springs. Other ladies bringing desserts were Billie George McKinnerney, Mary Maxcey, Marilyn Miller, Shirley Ramsey, Pat Faught, Shirley Benton, JoAnn Carroll and ladies from many churches. Many of these ladies brought recipes to share.

Different churches attending were The Father's House, Tom Brand, pastor, The First Baptist of Richland Springs, Barry Fikes, pastor, First Christian Church of Richland Springs, John Pennington, and faithfully the Shilo Church, Don Ramsey, pastor. The churches were a wonderful example of fellowship, visiting, and meeting new people in the community.

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Merchants were a very special "input" to Free meal 3rd Sunday. The word was spread by KBAL Radio Station with "Skeebo" announcing all week before the meal. Fern Reed, with the San Saba Chamber of Commerce, placed the announcement on the marque each Wednesday and Thursday. San Saba News and Star carried articles and announcements. Pat Maples with The Little Paper carried advertisements and articles. Ricky McKinnerney allowed on his property the post with banner attached on hwy. 190 in Richland Springs, Texas and last but not least Coyote One Stop. Vickie and Jr. Moreno donated all the ice for each free meal. Couldn't have made the meal successful without the ice for the tea and water.

All the merchants in San Saba and Richland Springs that placed "fliers" in their windows helped spread the information to all. All of these merchants are appreciated!

A very special treat for the Free Meal 3rd Sunday was when KWTX Channel 10 News (TV Station) stopped in for live interviews from local people, and Jeffrey Bates (R.S. Fire Chief) who fried the chicken that was enjoyed by all.

Free Meal 3rd Sunday was a success for everyone that was involved or attended. People sharing, caring, and giving of themselves for others was a blessing.