In some of Alaska’s most remote areas this Thanksgiving, a special tradition is taking place – a frozen turkey airdrop for residents who can’t access one for their holiday meal. Esther Keim, an Alaska native, has been organizing the Alaska Turkey Bomb for three years now. She drops frozen turkeys from a small plane to families in the south-central part of the state who are in need.
Keim shared that she grew up in Skwentna, Alaska, and remembers how families would be stranded during the fall freeze-up, unable to travel or access supplies easily. This inspired her to start the Alaska Turkey Bomb after hearing about a family near her Anchorage home who would go without a Thanksgiving meal in 2022.
Every year, Keim drops 30 to 40 frozen turkeys to families in rural areas for Thanksgiving. She recalls the excitement of receiving a turkey airdrop as a child and the joy it brought to her family. Keim explained that during freeze-up and breakup in Alaska, travel becomes extremely difficult, making it challenging for families living in remote areas to celebrate the holiday.
In “the bush,” where there are no roads, families rely on planes, snowmobiles, or boats to get around, especially during Thanksgiving. Keim’s airdrop is a quick and efficient way to reach many families in need. She even includes special treats for families with children, understanding the significance of such gestures from her own childhood experiences.
This year, Keim’s deliveries included an 80-year-old man named Dave Luce and his wife, who live on the Yentna River. The Luces, who have known Keim since she was young, appreciated the 12-pound turkey they received from her. Keim, together with her pilot Heidi Hastings, flies low over homes until they spot someone outside, then drops the turkey package.
Keim relies on donations to purchase the turkeys and hopes to turn the Alaska Turkey Bomb into a nonprofit organization. Her goal is to secure funding and support to expand the initiative and reach more families living in rural and off-grid areas across Alaska.
The heartwarming tradition of the Alaska Turkey Bomb not only ensures that families in remote Alaska have a Thanksgiving meal but also brings a sense of joy and community during the holiday season. Keim’s dedication to helping those in need reflects the spirit of giving and generosity that defines the Thanksgiving holiday.
