Frozen turkeys to be distributed by New Bethany Ministries to families throughout the Lehigh Valley

Provident Bank, New Bethany Ministries, and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are partnering once again to hold a frozen turkey drive on Thursday, November 18 from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. Residents who visit the ballpark will be able to donate a frozen turkey (10-12 lb. preferred). The frozen turkeys will be collected in a refrigerated truck and stored until distribution later that afternoon. New Bethany Ministries has set a goal to collect and distribute 1,000 frozen turkeys to community-based nonprofits throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“New Bethany is truly grateful for the endless support from our community of volunteers and donors, especially now as we assist nonprofits from around the area in helping their clients celebrate Thanksgiving with a home-cooked meal,” said Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries. “Thanks to our partnership with Provident Bank and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, hundreds of families throughout the Lehigh Valley will have a turkey this year.”

This is Provident Bank’s fifth consecutive year sponsoring the frozen turkey drive, which was an idea of Provident’s Bob Price, Senior Vice President/Relationship Manager, Commercial Lending.  Bob is also a long-time board member of New Bethany Ministries, now in their 36th year of providing Thanksgiving meals to community residents. This is also the fifth consecutive year that the refrigerated truck is being donated by Tom Mesko, a longtime friend and customer of Provident Bank.

“We’re proud to partner with New Bethany Ministries and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on this important initiative to support families of the Lehigh Valley. Involvement with the communities we serve and helping those in need is fundamental at Provident Bank,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO.

Provident Bank employees will be on site to accept frozen turkeys outside of the Provident Bank Ticket Office at Coca-Cola Park. The first 500 people to donate a frozen turkey on Thursday, November 18 will receive a commemorative oven mitt. In addition, they will receive a coupon for 15% off their purchase at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Clubhouse Store (coupon valid Thursday, November 18 only).

“For just this one time, it’s okay to ‘talk turkey’ instead of pork,” exclaimed IronPigs President and General Manager, Kurt Landes.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for our fans and partners to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to support those throughout the Lehigh Valley who are unable to on their own.  And Hambone appreciates and encourages the consumption of turkey on every holiday rather than other (gulp) alternatives.”

For more information on the frozen turkey drive, please visit ironpigsbaseball.com or call New Bethany Ministries at 610-691-5602.