Esther Keim, a dedicated volunteer in Alaska, brings a touch of holiday cheer to some of the state’s most isolated communities.
Through her Alaska Turkey Bomb program, Keim flies over 100 miles from her base in Wasilla to deliver frozen turkeys to families living in remote areas, often as far as the foothills of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain.
Keim’s mission is unique not only because of the distance she covers but also due to the unconventional method of turkey delivery.
Depending on the situation, she either makes the drop herself or enlists the help of a “turkey dropper” who ejects the frozen birds from the plane.
Esther Keim’s turkey drops bring festive joy to rural areas, bridging miles with holiday cheer.At other times, her friend, Heidi Hastings, takes the controls while Keim handles the turkey duty.
Before making the deliveries, Keim reaches out to families via social media to inform them of her plans.
Once she arrives, she often flies low over their homes, signaling them to come outside and collect their holiday bird.
In this way, the program has become a cherished annual tradition for many rural Alaskan families.
Despite Alaska’s often unpredictable weather, Keim makes between 30-40 turkey deliveries each year.
As of Tuesday, all but two of the birds had been successfully delivered, though the last two were delayed due to poor weather conditions.
This program is more than just a turkey drop—it’s a symbol of kindness and community spirit in one of the most rugged and remote parts of the United States.