IBEW Local 98 delivers to those in need during 'DeBella Turkey Drop'

"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.

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.

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.

People pulled up in cars or walked over to hand off their contributions to IBEW Local 98 members loading a van for deliveries, while 6abc, Jose Garces and others donated checks for thousands of dollars.

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.