Alaskan skies deliver Thanksgiving cheer to isolated families
Thanksgiving, which falls on the last Thursday of November, is the most important holiday for many Americans, often anticipated more than Christmas. On this occasion, as part of the "Alaskan Turkey Drop" initiative, turkeys will fall from the sky for some.
28 November 2024 14:09
The first harvest festival of the Plymouth Colony settlers took place in 1621, and Thanksgiving commemorates that event. It is a time when families and friends gather to feast, express gratitude, and enjoy each other’s company. Many also use the time off for family holidays and trips.
Thanksgiving – an integral part of American culture
For those who stay home, the traditional feast includes a roasted turkey. Another important tradition is associated with this bird. As part of cultivating this tradition, each year, the President of the United States pardons two turkeys, which, instead of ending up on the dinner table, are sent to a university in North Carolina.
This year, turkeys will even fall from the sky quite literally. Thanks to the efforts of pilot and volunteer Esther Keim, residents of remote parts of Alaska will receive frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving. As part of the "Alaskan Turkey Drop" initiative, Keim delivers holiday food to areas where no roads lead.
An interesting initiative
Esther Keim, who currently lives in the city, understands the difficulties of isolated living perfectly well. She grew up on a remote farm in Alaska, where access to civilisation was limited. Many places in the state are only accessible by air or snowmobiles.
The initiative's inspiration came from a story years ago: Keim learned that a certain family from an isolated farm would not have a turkey on their holiday table. She then decided to use her aeroplane to airdrop the frozen meat.
Thanks to social media, the initiative quickly grew. Currently, every Thanksgiving, Keim delivers holiday meals to up to 40 households that are inaccessible by road. Sometimes, she flies alone, other times with a friend—one pilot drops the packages while the other pilots.
Before every flight, Keim coordinates with families to arrange a specific delivery time. He explains that if no one is outside to retrieve the turkey, he won't release it, as they might be unable to locate it afterwards.
Donations from kind-hearted individuals fund the delivery and purchase of the turkeys. Keim plans to establish a non-profit organisation to garner more support and expand her initiative.
