November 26, 2019
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Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
IBEW 98 members at the "DeBella Turkey Drop" at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
"We've been here when it's been a lot colder than this," Michael Neill, Apprentice Training Director for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, said with a laugh on Tuesday morning outside the Kimmel Center.
Neill is the coordinator of the union's participation in the annual "DeBella Turkey Drop," where WMGK's John DeBella collects donated turkeys and financial contributions to provide Thanksgiving dinners to the underprivileged within the Greater Philadelphia region. This year's turkey drop took place Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Since the event began in 2000, IBEW Local 98, led by Business Manager John J. Dougherty, has been a key contributor.
Apprentice Training Director of IBEW Local Union 98, Mike Neill (left), and 102.9WMGK radio host John DeBella at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.Neill estimates that IBEW Local 98 has delivered 5,700 turkeys to needy families though the "DeBella Turkey Drop" alone, an average of 300 turkeys every year of the event.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
Local 98's involvement goes further than that, though.
"We've been in homes dropping off a turkey and see they don't have a refrigerator, so then one shows up. Or, we'll be in a basement helping to fix things," Neill said. "Now other trades are starting to get involved," he added.
From 6 to 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, DeBella staged a live broadcast from outside the Kimmel Center on the Avenue of the Arts, where he and his crew accepted cash, checks and turkeys from individuals and organizations.
IBEW 98 members and volunteers load turkey donations onto a truck during the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
In addition, other WMGK FM on-air staff and employees were stationed at 12 Acme Markets across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, collecting financial contributions and turkeys for those in need.
"We've had a long-standing friendship and partnership with John DeBella and WMGK and are happy we could be a part of the annual 'DeBella Turkey Drop' again this year," said Dougherty.
Below are more photos from the event.
IBEW 98 members and volunteers load donated turkey onto a truck at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
People gather at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
102.9WMGK radio host, John DeBella (left), talks with chef Jose Garces (right) at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
Apprentice Training Director for IBEW Local Union 98, Mike Neill, at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
IBEW 98 members hand off donations at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
A locel IBEW 98 member poses with his sweatshirt at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
A skid of donated turkeys on a truck at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
102.9WMGK radio host, John DeBella (center, with Always Best Care employees and their check donation at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
Kimmel Center employees pose in front of a truck with turkey donations at the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
People gather for the “DeBella Turkey Drop” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on November 26, 2019.
Kate Frese/for PhillyVoice
