Salus Takes Care of its Own, and the Surrounding Communities, on Thanksgiving

Depending on his work schedule, Aaron Brown ‘23OT, would either fly home to have Thanksgiving dinner with his parents in Michigan or celebrate with other family members in California. But this year he’s saving money for trips to both Michigan and southern California during winter break, which left him in the Philadelphia area over Thanksgiving break.

Although he wasn’t able to spend time with his family, Brown didn’t have to miss the traditional Thanksgiving meal, thanks to Salus University. For those who were forced to stay local this holiday for whatever the reason, the University provided a complimentary “Turkey Gobbler” dinner — prepared by the University Cafe’s Metz Culinary — for those who were interested.

The meal included a choice of either a traditional turkey dinner plate (turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and a vegetable) or a vegetarian option. A “sweet treat” was included as well.

Brown was one of approximately 60 students who took advantage of the offer. “I really appreciated the meal from Salus and I saved it to eat on Thanksgiving evening. Not only was the food good but it also helped to keep me in the holiday spirit,” he said.

The idea to offer a Thanksgiving meal to students who stayed local was actually born out of necessity in 2020, when the pandemic severely limited holiday travel for many students as well as the pre-vaccine fear that the COVID-19 virus could easily be spread at small family gatherings. Last year’s event went better than University officials initially anticipated with 72 students taking advantage of the meal. It went over so well that the University wanted to once again offer the opportunity to its students.

Salus also continued its longtime Thanksgiving tradition of delivering meals to Jenkintown and Cheltenham police departments on Thanksgiving Day as a thank you for all they do to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities. Meals were also delivered to AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.

The tradition was started by David Wisher, former assistant bursar who is now retired, and Esther Colon, bursar. 

“This annual Salus tradition wouldn't be possible without the generous contributions by our colleagues in food service who both contribute and prepare the meals,” said Dr. Larry McClure, the now-retired former director of Institutional Research and Strategic Planning at Salus. Dr. McClure and his son Kevin, OD ‘19 — along with Don Kates, vice president of Finance — and many other Salus employees are longtime volunteers who have helped deliver Thanksgiving meals to the local communities. 

Also during the holiday season, the Salus chapter of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is participating in the Philabundance fundraiser through Dec. 1.

Boxes will be left outside the cafeteria for drop-offs and Philabundance will be accepting cash donations as well. The top items needed include peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, canned tuna or meat, canned fruits and vegetables, canned stew and soups, oatmeal/breakfast cereal, whole grain pasta, 100 percent juice, rice and boxed non-refrigerated milk.