David’s Drive 831 provides piano to school’s Meistersingers in alum’s memory
Kelsey Brinton (from left), a CASH senior and Meistersingers’ co-president; Samantha Turner, David Turner Jr.’s sister and a former Meistersinger; David Turner Sr.; Joy Turner; and Jocelyn Brown, a CASH senior and 2012-2013 Meistersingers’ honor soloist.
A 20-year-old Coatesville Area Senior High alum was looking forward to playing Santa for residents at the Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, where he worked, on Dec. 17, 2009, but David B. Turner Jr. never got the chance. He died suddenly a day earlier of a suspected heart arrhythmia.
Since then his family has continued to perpetuate his passion for service to others, especially those involved in the military. His parents, David and Joy Turner, began a nonprofit charity – David’s Drive 831 – which is committed to improving the quality of life for hospitalized and homeless veterans. Most recently, David’s Drive donated a piano to the Coatesville High School Meistersingers in David’s memory.
Not only was the 2007 CASH graduate a music fan, but his sister, Samantha, also participated in the singing group from 2007 to 2009. So after the Manucchi family of West Chester donated the piano to David’s Drive, the nonprofit contacted the school district to see if it could use the instrument. The piano is now located in the 11/12 Building so the Meistersingers, who are thrilled with the gift, can use it, said Jonette Marcus, a school district spokeswoman.
David B. Turner Jr., who died unexpectedly at the age of 20, was working at the Coatesville V.A. and committed to helping veterans. His family is continuing his legacy.
David Turner Sr. hopes that from this donation “students will a) know of the David’s Drive cause, b) volunteer and c) help others.” He said his son’s job at the V.A. made him aware of veterans’ needs, and David’s Drive has continued to collect clothing for both men and women, including socks and underwear, that is delivered annually to the the Coatesville V.A. Medical Center.
Since its inception in 2010, David’s Drive 831 has donated more than 4,000 pounds of food to families in need in Chester County, contributed to the construction of a new wing at the South Eastern Veterans Center in Spring City, and sent care packages to military personnel serving around the world, according to its web site. The charity has also donated over $50,000 worth of underwear, socks and t-shirts to hospitalized veterans and wrapped and delivered nearly 2,500 Christmas gift boxes filled with special treats to patients receiving treatment at the Coatesville V.A.
According to the web site, David’s family began using 831 as code for “I love you:” eight letters, three words, one meaning. The intent was to prevent embarrassment when the children were young and wanted to tell their parents they loved them in front of their friends; however, the code was only used jokingly because they were never ashamed to express their affection. For more information, visit http://www.davidsdrive831.org/start.html.
