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November 20, 2009

Knights of Columbus to feed more than 400 people with 18 turkeys donated by federation

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer

Knights of Columbus will use 18 turkeys to feed more than 400 people Thanksgiving dinner this year.

That’s nearly 371 pounds of bird that will be served to families who have no place to go on Thanksgiving or cannot cook for themselves.

For the fifth year in a row, the turkeys were donated by the Enid chapter of Wild Turkey Federation, a national turkey conservation and hunting organization.

The giving of the turkeys is called National Turkey Hunters Care Program, said Bill Arnold, president of the local chapter.

“We opted to give the turkeys to Leroy (Patocka),” Arnold said. “He can touch a lot more people than we will.”

Patocka and his brother, Al, are co-chairs of this year’s Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving dinner.

Leroy said when the Knights of Columbus began serving Thanksgiving dinner about 23 or 24 years ago, they had about 270 pounds of turkey to use. That number has increased steadily over time.

“I think every year we’ve done it it’s been growing,” Leroy said.

Arnold and others from the local chapter of Wild Turkey Federation buy the frozen birds from Jumbo Foods.

On the Wednesday before Thanks-giving, Knights of Columbus members and their families get together to cook the turkeys and other ingredients for the big meal.

Patocka said not only members will come — wives and even children will dedicate their own Thanksgiving to prepare the meal and then serve it Thanksgiving Day.

This year’s meal will include turkey, potatoes, gravy, dressing, rolls, salad, desserts and tea and coffee.

It will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at St. Francis Xavier Church, 110 N. Madison.

Knights also can deliver the meal to shut-ins and those who can’t make it out to the church. Those in that situation can call 234-6882 to schedule a meal.

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