The members of the Middle Octorara Presbyterian Women (MOPW) know that good records are key to a successful outcome, and they are depending on this concept for the annual turkey supper set for Saturday, Oct. 10. "We like to take notes after each event and plan for the next year," said MOPW member Debbie Hoover. "The notes from last year said to plan for 500 (meals)."
In previous years, between takeout orders and on-site diners, the MOPW served about 400 meals. Last year's turnout was so good that the organizers recommended increasing capacity. While they are doing just that, safety guidelines for mitigating the coronavirus have resulted in the MOPW planning to serve the meal entirely via takeout. A drive-through line will be set up around Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church (MOPC), 1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until sold out.
The meals will include roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn, mashed potatoes, rolls and butter, pepper cabbage, applesauce, cranberry sauce, and whoopie pies. MOPW members prepare most of the food. "We peel our own potatoes, cook our own turkey, make our own pepper cabbage, and make our own stuffing and gravy," Hoover commented. "The corn is homegrown. We husked and froze it ourselves."
Although labor-intensive, handling the majority of the prep allows the MOPW to realize a greater profit on the dinner. "The women's association is very mission-oriented. This is a way that we can raise money for missions," Hoover explained.
The MOPW prefers to use the funds locally. The group contributes to Boy Scout Troop 87, which is chartered by MOPC; Flowing Oil community meals; Solid Rock Youth Ministries; and Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. It also purchases Christmas gifts for residents at the Ware Presbyterian Village and provides financial gifts to families as needs arise.
"It's all passed on to try to help someone," Hoover remarked.
For more information about the turkey supper, readers may call MOPW member Shirley Miller at 717-786-3690.
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