For more information on the Alumni Turkey Project, to make a gift to support the Project or to register for Packing Day or Distribution Day, visit drexel.edu/alumni/turkey.
The Alumni Holiday Turkey Project (renamed the Alumni Turkey Project) started out as a grassroots effort by the Drexel Alumnae Planning Board — a group established in the 1960s to serve as a support network for female alumni. One of its early members, Lynne Bloom ’55, was there at the beginning.
“What started off as a small, women-led initiative has grown into the University-wide program it is today,” says Bloom. “In the beginning, we called alumni to ask for donations, which we would then use to purchase food and give out to the community. Our group felt like we had a role in helping our neighbors, and we always hoped the project would grow into what it has become.”
Over the past five decades, the Turkey Project has expanded into an alumni tradition that continues to grow, now serving more than 50 community organizations by providing holiday meals — turkeys and side dishes — to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
“It’s been so gratifying to know that I was part of the Turkey Project’s foundation,” says Bloom. “It fills me with so much pride.”
The Turkey Project has been steadfast in serving the community despite challenging times, including the last great recession in 2008 and the pandemic in 2020. And since its inception, more than 17,000 generous supporters have donated over $825,000 to its cause. You can join them this year by visiting giving.drexel.edu/tradition to make a gift in honor of the project’s golden anniversary.
The Turkey Project
in Their Words
Some of the Turkey Project’s most loyal supporters reflect on why it is such an important and impactful Drexel Alumni tradition.
Adeline Kieffer ’77
“I started out serving as a Turkey Project volunteer after graduating in 1977. It was created with the intent to help our neighbors, and that mission has never changed. It’s been a wonderful initiative that benefits both Drexel and the recipients and strengthens the University’s relationship with the community. Seeing the success of the initiative confirms for me that this project is important and serves a lasting purpose.”
Jeff Spence ’09
“The Alumni Holiday Turkey Project shines as an example of Drexel’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, and I’ve been fortunate to support it for more than 20 years as an alumni volunteer, donor and staff member. I continue to be inspired by its mission to extend the reach of the Drexel alumni community in support of the University’s neighbors in need.”
Pamela ’96 and David Bershas ’96
“Participating in the Alumni Turkey Project with our children demonstrates the importance of community service in our lives. It shows our children that not everyone has the same financial or societal situation as they do, and it teaches them that empathy, giving and compassion are good traits to possess. We hope our children understand how good it feels to volunteer…and how their contribution helps to better our society.”
Fred Ulmer ’57
“I couldn’t have gone to college without the scholarships given to me by Drexel, so after I graduated, I felt like it was my time to give back. The community partners that pick up the holiday meals have started to recognize me as a familiar face and it’s nice to see them year after year. I’m 91 now, but as long as I’m physically able, I’ll keep volunteering!”
Fred Ulmer ’57 and his wife, Sue, have been volunteering with the Turkey Project for more than 25 years.
Your Gift Creates Meals
Every year, donors to the Turkey Project make it possible for hundreds of our Greater Philadelphia area neighbors to receive holiday meals. Your gift provides a turkey dinner and sides to those who need support and furthers the Turkey Project’s longstanding tradition of helping to fight local hunger and food insecurity. Make your gift to the Turkey Project at giving.drexel.edu/tradition.