Cephas teams up with Independence Blue Cross to deliver more than 250 free turkeys, PPE to seniors in need

With less than a week until Thanksgiving, state Rep. Morgan Cephas teamed up with Independence Blue Cross to distribute more than 250 free turkeys along with reusable masks and hand sanitizer to West Philadelphia residents in need, with a majority of recipients being seniors.

"As COVID-19 cases rise to record levels in the city and across Pennsylvania, my office and I are working to ensure our neighbors have the resources they need to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving this year," said Cephas, D-Phila. "I am blessed to have community partners like Independence Blue Cross who share my commitment to put people first by not only securing this critical food and personal protective equipment, but taking the precautionary steps necessary to connect these materials to those who need it most in a safe manner."

As part of her Turkey Drive and Drop event on Saturday, Cephas said the group distributed the turkeys and PPE outside of Monte Vista apartments and at the Wynnefield Place Apartments before personally delivering the rest to a number of recipients at their homes, all while following CDC guidelines, which included wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands frequently.

"I understand avoiding traveling, large groups and in-person gatherings is frustrating, especially during the holidays, but it's what we must do right now to flatten the curve, stop the spread of this deadly virus and get back to the way life was before this pandemic," Cephas said.

Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed an additional 4,762 new positive cases of COVID-19, in addition to 7,075 new cases reported Sunday, for a two-day total of 11,837 additional positive cases of COVID-19, which brings the statewide total to 314,401.