For the second year, Hopewell Church, 2286 Hopewell Road, Elverson, will offer a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition, those who are unable to attend in person and who live within 5 miles of the church may have a free meal delivered. Meal deliveries must be ordered in advance.

The event is being organized by congregation member Misty Stoltzfus, who started the outreach to honor her father, who passed away on Thanksgiving several years ago.

"We fed about 150 people last year, but that included the volunteers and people from the church," said Stoltzfus, noting that residents of Hopewell Manor senior rental community participated in the event. "Hopewell Manor was very thankful to get meals. Some (residents) came to eat here, and some (meals) we delivered. (We provided) a good service. It was nice to deliver meals to people who can't get out."

Leftover food from the dinner goes to the Hope Rescue Mission in Reading, which serves homeless men in Berks County. "We had a lot of extra food, but they were happy at Hope Rescue because they make turkey layered casserole for the residents," Stoltzfus noted.

This year's menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn, cranberry sauce, rolls and beverages. Homemade pumpkin pie will be served for dessert.

The food will be prepared by local chef Jamie Francis, who comes to the church several days in advance to do prep work. "He uses heavy cream in the mashed potatoes; they are really creamy," said Stoltzfus.

The meal will be served in the church's fellowship hall, which will be decorated for the fall season. "It will be buffet-style. You don't have to get there at 11. People can drop in anytime," Stoltzfus pointed out.

The dinner is open to people of all ages, including those who are alone for the holiday, senior citizens, young families and local residents who may not have relatives nearby.

"It really is for anyone who wants to have someplace to go for Thanksgiving," Stoltzfus said. "Some of the stories from last year were really touching. Even if we helped someone for that day, it was worth it."

Those who plan to attend the event are asked to register by Friday, Nov. 18, in order that enough food can be prepared. Organizers have placed posters at local sites, which feature a QR code that allows people to register to attend. Posters can be found at Joanna Store, 1102 Elverson Road, Morgantown; the Village Library, 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown; Honey Brook Community Library, 687 Compass Road, Honey Brook; and Eby's General Store, 3801 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook.

People may also register to attend the event or order a meal to be delivered by emailing Marian Gehman at mariang@hopewellchurch.org or calling the church office at 610-286-6308. Walk-ins will also be welcome.