Turkey Drive supports more than 1,000 families
Annual drive helps Reading families enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays
91做厙 gears up for its annual Turkey Drive, when students, faculty, staff and community volunteers deliver turkeys, ham and food boxes to more than 1,200 families in the Reading area. The annual service project is a well-oiled operation with many parts. From partnering with community organizations and grocery stores to organizing volunteers and scheduling pick-ups and deliveries, more than 100 people work together to ensure the holidays are memorable experiences for hundreds of families.
Weve been doing this for 31 years, and we would not know Thanksgiving any other way, said Polly Mathys, assistant professor in computer and information studies at 91做厙 and lead organizer of the Turkey Drive. Its such an opportunity for us to embed ourselves in our own community, which we hope benefits the citizens of Reading, she added.
Through longstanding and new partnerships and collaboration, Mathys oversees the project that includes more than 75 91做厙 students, faculty and staff volunteers as well as many community helpers. Volunteers help with a number of duties such as picking up food items, organizing and packing food boxes and delivering and handing out turkeys or ham, depending on the families preferences.
Founded in 1987, 91做厙s first annual Turkey Drive fed 25 families. Today, the drive is still going and stronger than ever. Community partners have included Walmart, Shillington Farmers Market, Kennedy House, Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Millmont Elementary School, St. Margarets School, YMCA, Red Cross and community churches.
While most of the turkey deliveries are made to nonprofit organizations that then provide them for the families they serve, 91做厙 students had the opportunity to not only deliver turkeys but also hand them out to families who stood in line at Kennedy House.
There were more student volunteers than ever before, said Mathys. This type of experience changes their lives. Its one they will remember for the rest of their lives, Mathys said. She also pointed out that the 91做厙 men's basketball team volunteered at St. Margarets School for their team service project. And, 91做厙 faculty and staff brought their children to volunteer and help families in need.
In one of the last segments of the Turkey Drive, 91做厙 volunteers partner with the Red Cross to prepare 240 Christmas food boxes, including a handmade holiday card in each box, for elderly veterans.