200 Turkeys and Other Food Distributed By 103.7 The Beat and Community Partners

Andrew Trzaska | November 25, 2011

103.7 “The Beat” WUVS-LP gave away 200 turkeys and other food on Tuesday to help those in need in the Muskegon Community.

The Beat did it with support or cooperation from several partners including Pepsico, Cole’s Quality Foods and Meijer stores.  Project Homeless Connect provided supplies as well, a collaborative that involved Michigan Works!, 211, Goodwill, and Care Source, a non-profit, state-sponsored health care plan provider for those who are Medicaid eligible.

CEO of West Michigan Therapy and Muskegon board of education vice president Rev. Louis Churchwell delivered a prayer to start the event at noon Tuesday, asking those present to look to the good in the hearts of all those in attendance and the value in the content of each person’s character.

All of the food was distributed within 30 minutes, with everyone in line by 12:30 receiving food including turkeys, drinks, potatoes, garlic bread, and canned vegetables, and more.

The food was purchased and also donated through 103.7, monetary donations and several of the station’s partners.

Some of 103.7’s partners who helped out Thursday were inspired to attend because of the vision of the stations leaders, including Paul “PA” Billings.

“This radio station is really helping out,” said Corey DeSantis, unit sales manager for Pepsico. “I just got talking to Paul and got us involved.”

Rick Zehr, store director for the Harvey Street Meijer in Fruitport, also helped out on Tuesday. Zehr saw 103.7’s event as a way to give back.

“For those of us who have, we should give a little to those who need.”

This event has run as long as 103.7 The Beat has been on air, but got its roots even before then.

Many of 103.7’s staff helped out Tuesday, including PA, Big Rob, Rosie, The Housekeeper, Co Co, DJ Q89, Cadillac Blu, Ray Jay the Doctor and more.

The turkey giveaway comes in a tough season for West Michigan, as state home heating aid and cash assistance has been slashed over the past few months.

Mehean Jones-Quinn, aka DJ Q89, said Tuesday expressed the need for all Muskegon residents to be generous but also passionate in the coming months.

“You’ve got to love it,’ said Q89.

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103.7 “The Beat” WUVS-LP wishes all a safe, warm and happy Thanksgiving.  It is a time for all people in our community as well as our whole nation to remember where we come from, where we are now, and where we are going. More importantly, we must use this time to understand those same three things about everyone outside of ourselves, our brothers and sisters of our human race.  Being thankful for what we have and thinking about where we’re going can bring us closer together and help us achieve a better community here in Muskegon. 

News Coverage from the Turkey giveaway:

Hundreds Line Up for Free Turkeys in Muskegon – FOX 17

http://www.fox17online.com/videogallery/66265539/News/Muskegon-Turkey-Giveaway—11.22.11