PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — On this Christmas Eve, a South Philly institution is using using one of its busiest days of the year to raise money for those affected by last week's explosion and house fire.
Hours before the doors opened at 6 a.m., dozens of people waited outside at Termini Bros. at 8th Street near Tasker as they do every Dec. 24. Always at the top of their lists is Termini's famous cannoli.
Where the cannoli are made. pic.twitter.com/V4CdUUhVYJ
— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio)
December 24, 2019 Joe Giralo from Hammonton, N.J., was one of the first in line.
"Been doing this for over 20 years. It's tradition now, but always come for the cannolis. Wouldn't miss it for anything in the world," Giralo said.
"Wonderful shells, delicious filling," says Stacy, from Montgomery County, who planned on buying 16 of the sweet treats.
Why I don’t mind working Christmas Eve. pic.twitter.com/8Vz3julKE2
— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio)
December 24, 2019 The cannoli are the main attraction. And for many, the tradition goes back decades. But new this year is the somber fact that two people were killed and dozens more were displaced in this neighborhood after an explosion destroyed three rowhomes and damaged many more on Dec. 20.
"It really hit home to us," said Vincent Termini Jr. He said the bakery decided to collect money at all their locations and donate it to those families. Customers who donate $20 get a hat or an apron.
"It's an opportunity for us to have our customers realize what these people are going through. One of those neighbors is a multi-generational neighbor that's been over there," he said.
"Our way of giving back a little bit to our neighbors. That's what South Philly is all about. It's a tight-knit community. We've been here for 100 years. It's the least we could do."
So this year at Termini's, people left with cannoli they came for. And in the season of giving, they did what they could to help those who may have lost it all.
