Members of the Knights of Columbus will host a free Thanksgiving meal on Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 955 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. The meal will begin at 5:30 p.m., and it will include fresh turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, a green vegetable and a choice of apple or pumpkin pie.

The meal was previously organized by the Knights of Columbus annually. The tradition was known in the community as the Flowing Oil Cafe, and various churches throughout the Southern End would coordinate the location of other meals throughout the year. The Flowing Oil Cafe ceased to exist when the COVID-19 pandemic compromised the safety of large gatherings. Although it no longer operates under the same name, this is the first year that members of the Knights of Columbus will bring back the tradition of holding the Thanksgiving meal at St. Catherine's.

"There's no charge for the meal; anyone who needs it can show up and we'll feed them," said George Fiorentino, a member of the Knights of Columbus and organizer of the event. "There are people who don't normally get a meal like this, so it's worth its weight in gold to see their eyes light up and knowing they're about to receive a good Thanksgiving dinner."

Fiorentino and other members of the Knights of Columbus begin preparing the meal early in the day, as much of the food requires several hours to cook. After the volunteers place the turkeys in the oven for at least three hours, the majority of their time is spent peeling potatoes for the homemade mashed potatoes recipe. The volunteers are divided into two shifts: The first shift cooks and serves the food, and the second shift cleans the kitchen and dining area.

In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, the Knights of Columbus remain busy with various community service projects during the holiday season. The organization recently collected more than 70 winter coats, which it will donate to children in need for Christmas. The Knights also offer financial assistance and coordinate fundraisers for local veterans with disabilities and organizations such as A Woman's Concern. Members of the Knights of Columbus frequently volunteer to assist individuals who may be unable to complete certain projects on their own; In the past, they have fixed mailboxes and pressure washed homes for their church's parishioners and neighbors. "That's just what the Knights do, and it's what we're all about," Fiorentino said. "To try to spread love and good will."