The agency provides "grab and go" meals and turkeys

(Philadelphia - Nov. 20, 2020 ) - Due to the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is changing its annual Thanksgiving celebrations to keep residents close to home.

Instead of its annual Thanksgiving gathering for seniors, PHA provided "grab and go" meals to 18 senior housing sites. The meals will includes: turkey and gravy, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, cranberry sauce, rolls and even sweet potato pies. Seniors will be able to pick up a meal, and then return to their apartment.  Free masks and information on how to be safe during the holidays will also be distributed.  They also will receive gift bags provided by InnovAge and fruit and veggie bags from Aetna.

"The Thanksgiving gathering for seniors is one of my favorite events," said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. "This year we all need to stay home and be safe for the holidays. It is imperative we celebrate differently this year, so we can all come together next year!"

In addition, PHA will also giveaway 1,600 turkeys.  The head of households were entered
into a raffle; the winners will pick up a turkey at their manager's office. Daily Dove Care, a
home healthcare agency with Unity in the Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of others in the South Philadelphia area, donated  thanksgiving boxes with turkeys along with the fixings to 300 families at Bartram Village. Philly Flavors FM Radio Station will distribute 50 turkeys to families at Richard Allen Homes. "I want to thank all these organizations for giving back to the city's most vulnerable during these challenging times," said Jeremiah.