Steve Plevins, chairman of The Salvation Army Vineland Corps’ Annual Turkey Drive reports that the Vineland Turkey Drive was a huge success. Several hundred families including veterans and seniors were able to cook a Thanksgiving meal for their loved ones this year, thanks to monetary and food donations that have been pouring in for the last few weeks. Plevins and the Turkey Drive Committee would like to thank everyone who donated cash or food, and the volunteers who worked tirelessly this year to make the turkey drive a success.
The Salvation Army Vineland Corps’ Annual Turkey Drive provides food for families who would otherwise not be able to afford to cook a special meal at Thanksgiving. As we gathered to give thanks at our own tables this year, we were proud that we made this happen for families in need right here in our own backyard,” said Plevins.
Each year the Turkey Drive Committee provides food donations to local families, veterans, and seniors in need. The Turkey Drive has received numerous awards each year for their grassroots fundraising efforts to successfully feed thousands each year. The 2021 Turkey Drive Committee members are Plevins, Minerva Alvarado, Myrna Keller, Wanda Lopez, Michele Low, Carlos Mercado, David Scales, Jason Scythes, Prayful Thakkar, Antony K. Thomas, and Advisory Board President Albert Vargas. Junior members are Rylee Howerton and Shellby Watts.
This year, small businesses got involved by taking collections at work. The first to sign up was Angela Barreto, owner of Angie’s Color Bar on Delsea Drive and Park Avenue.
“The first batch of donations filled my trunk, back seat and the front seat of my car, said Minerva Alvarado, Turkey Drive Committee member and Advisory Board member.
“The generosity this year has been outstanding,” said Major Moises Rivera, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Vineland Corps.
Other businesses to take collections at work were: Bridor USA, OceanFirst Bank, Vineland Construction, Marcacci Meats, and Todd’s News Agency.
“Our Collection Point Sponsors—ShopRite Delsea, ShopRite Landis, and ShopRite Millville allow the turkey drive to be promoted in front of their stores. “Their dedicated support over all these years, is truly a blessing,” said Plevins. The Committee urges Vineland residents to support these businesses.
The Turkey Drive Committee gives special thanks to community partner, the Cumberland County Habitat ReStore, who has hosted a turkey drive kickoff event two years in a row. Others who support the turkey drive and help promote the event are WVLT Radio, Larry Leonelli and Pepper Paul. There are many more people to thank, so check the Salvation Army Vineland Corps’ Facebook page for more updates.
