Topics of the Podcast: Live from the 3rd Annual 21 Turkey Salute in York, PA!
Episode 152 of Behind the Toolbelt was recorded live in York, PA at the 3rd Annual 21 Turkey Salute! Pastor Joel has supported the 21 Turkey Salute 3 years in a row now. He has allowed us to use the Church facility to host this event.
The 21 Turkey Salute is a charitable joint venture between companies and facilities within the York area to feed anyone who needs a meal the day before Thanksgiving. 3 years in a row, TC Backer Construction, Union Lutheran Church, and many others have been able to provide meals and more to those in need. This year we were joined by Belmont Bean Co providing quality coffee with each meal! Every year the event grows larger and larger, allowing more families and individuals to be fed for Thanksgiving.
Ty mentions how grateful he is for Pastor Joel because 3 years ago Ty scoured the city of York looking for a location or a place that would allow for the 21 Turkey Salute to be possible. Without hesitation, Pastor Joel and the Union Lutheran Church happily obliged and began helping out to make the 21 Turkey Salute possible. The Volunteers who all help make this happen are also greatly appreciated, and it’s amazing to see the community turnout that occurs and how we all step together in order to achieve a common goal: help the community.
Pastor Joel begins speaking of the new church opening on the east side of York, with the goal to perform the 21 Turkey Salute in both locations next year! Ty questions Pastor how the mechanics would work with him being in charge of the congregations and churches at both locations. Pastor explains that through the community and partners on the east end of town that they will be able to make it possible and duplicate what they’ve been able to create on the west end such as building the congregation and the youth organizations they currently run and operate.
The Pastor is in search of the shepherd to lead the sheep on the east end congregation being built, so if you think that’s you then definitely reach out to Pastor Joel and introduce yourself!
Ty is curious about everything the Pastor performs within the church and everything they are involved in. The pastor mentions how amazing the congregation is and how they are always ready to share the space and create a neighborhood church. Pastor mentions lots of congregations lost the sensibility of community, and how Union Lutheran performs things differently by allowing the basement for Narcotics Anonymous, the Food Pantry, and many other community and organization-based activities. Pastor mentions the church has a Youth program, they’ve had Pre-K classes in the past, and how they are really trying to focus on the homeless problem within the city.
The Church allows for lots of homeless resources such as helping them get their IDs, allowing for them to have mail sent to their location, plus many more public services. One of the biggest things the Pastor does is “Connect People” by utilizing the other services available within the community and connecting with them to best help the homeless within the community to get the best help possible. “At the end of the day, this is all because of our faith and our outreach that we believe we are supposed to be helping everybody,” remarks Pastor Joel. Pastor mentions they even have free clothing rooms so individuals can come and change their closing if need be. The church also hosts free breakfasts several times monthly to feed the hungry.
Ty replies how impressed he is and how he knows of some of the things that the Church offers, however, to hear everything they do is astounding. Ty, Chris, and Pastor discuss how next year we are going to go live from both the east side and west side and perform the 21 Turkey Salute from both locations and truly help as many people as possible!
Chris discusses the amazing impact that the Church has within the community, and how great it is that they truly practice what they preach. The pastor replies his goal is to continue to build relationships within the community and welcome with open arms anyone into the congregation. Pastor mentions that bringing in as many partnerships as possible is crucial in helping these programs grow and run. The trio continues to discuss the different operations the Church is involved in.
A random passerby then jokes with our hosts and shares his appreciation for what everyone does and how we all come together to make it possible. The guest continues to joke with the hosts until finally moving forward. More community members pass by and show gratitude regarding what has been put together and how it’s been executed.
Pastor steps away, and Ty and Chris then have a conversation about how fantastic the turnout has been and the transition and growth of the 21 Turkey Salute and other community events. Ty expresses how humble Pastor Joel is, and that he wishes he would take the proper recognition he deserves, but that just shows the humility of Pastor Joel.
Ty then thanked the department of health and the city of York for allowing us to shut the block down and allow us to perform the 21 Turkey Salute with full support. Without question, the police department, fire department, and the rest of the community continue to welcome TC Backer Construction back to perform our turkey salute.
At this time, new co-host Mike Ippoliti joins in to speak with Ty Backer and Chris Baker. Ty introduces Mike Ippoliti as the Director of Technology at TC Backer Construction and gives a quick introduction to what he does.
Ty’s first question to Mike was “What did you experience here today, bro?”. Mike replied “Gratitude, and what it truly feels like to give back to the community and help people out”. Mike jokes about the number of turkeys being carved and how great it feels to be part of the process. Chris then gives Mike a shoutout for making the trip all the way from New Jersey to be present for the 21 Turkey Salute and expresses his appreciation. Chris thanks Mike for everything he does, then mentions how it takes a team effort to truly pull this out.
A team effort is what makes the 21 Turkey Salute possible, but Ty definitely goes above and beyond to make it a reality. Chris thanks all of the volunteers and everyone that shows up to help out from other community members to family and friends of those involved. Chris then wanted to shout out to the kids who assisted with the testing of the podcast and the way they were able to jump right in and make a conversation happen.
Pastor Joel then joins Mike and Chris, mentioning he was saying goodbye to the youth volunteers that came to help out. The hosts then discuss how the youth have a different perspective from us, and getting their input is extremely important. Pastor Joel has a youth group ready to help out and do what it takes to better the community.
Mike brings up leadership, and how good leadership for our youth is important. This then brings the discussion again of how the Pastor will run both congregations. He mentions the vision is that these are the same congregation but with different locations. This means that the needs of the community will be met based on what is needed.
Donations are often only thought of during this time of year, but donations are required yearly, especially in the months most people don’t think of. The community comes together to ensure these needs are met. It is very humbling to see individuals that are in need come and get what is needed to have a warm meal in their stomachs that day. Mike mentions how individuals become so concerned with the external world while ignoring the local community. “We can only keep what we have by giving it back away” – Mike, Co-host.
Pastor mentions that if you want to help, you can visit their Facebook and website to reach out to them directly. He mentions that calling ahead is the best way to donate items to your local Church or congregation so they are prepared to help in the best way possible. Even the smallest of donations can be life-altering to those in need. Pastor mentions that men’s clothing is some of the hardest donations to come across. Reach out to your local donation center, church, or other community organization to find out the best way to help out your community!
In conclusion, Chris Baker mentions how he’s blessed for the team, and who knows what the future holds. Imagine if the entire construction industry were to get involved nationwide and the difference that can be made by helping your community throughout the year. As you and your family enjoy this holiday season, do what’s possible to help out your community by doing whatever you can to give back to your neighbor.