Posted November 23, 2016

Giving thanks and giving back

The Office of Community Relations and Campus Safety Services delivered Thanksgiving baskets to Temple’s neighbors.

a man and a woman smiling and holding a frozen turkey.
Photography By: 
Ryan S. Brandenberg
Temple employees David Neris and Myrtle Jackson prepare Thanksgiving gift baskets to be sent throughout the North Philadelphia community as part of Temple's annual turkey drive.

While many prepared to feast for Thanksgiving, a group of Temple students and staff spent the first two days of the holiday break packing gift baskets for the university’s neighbors.

A joint venture between Community Relations and Campus Safety Services, Temple’s annual turkey drive feeds more than 300 families each year.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of our neighbors over the years,” said Capt. Eileen Bradley, project coordinator for Campus Safety Services. “I look forward to this time of year. It gives me a chance to reconnect and gives us an opportunity to give back to the community that we live in.”

On the Monday afternoon before Thanksgiving, more than a dozen volunteers packed more than 100 boxes with fresh turkeys and sides. Once boxes were packed and sealed, the team of volunteers delivered them to neighbors, nonprofits and churches.

It gives me a chance to reconnect and gives us an opportunity to give back to the community that we live in.
-- Capt. Eileen Bradley, Campus Safety Services

Milton Pollard, who lives a few blocks away from Main Campus on Bouvier Street, helped transport gift baskets to families throughout North Central Philadelphia. 

“This makes the holiday season a little easier for our neighbors,” Pollard said as he loaded the back of his car with boxes for delivery.

The remainder of the gift baskets were delivered to Beckett Life Center, Norris Homes, St. Malachy’s Church and a select group of local residents, including senior citizens, in North Philadelphia.

“We are tired but inspired,” said Andrea Swan, SMC ’98, CLA ’11,  director of community and neighborhood affairs in the Office of Community Relations. “It's been a joy helping families celebrate the holidays.”