Alaska Thanksgiving turkeys thrown to homes from plane

Alaska Turkey Bomb: A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Tradition in the Last Frontier

In the vast expanse of Alaska, where DoorDash is not an option and grocery stores are a luxury for some residents living off the grid, there is a heartwarming tradition that ensures everyone has a Thanksgiving dinner – the Alaska Turkey Bomb.

Esther Keim, a resident of Alaska, has been flying her small plane over remote areas of south-central Alaska for the past three years, dropping frozen turkeys to those who cannot easily access a store. Alaska, with its vast wilderness and limited road access, relies heavily on small planes and snowmobiles for transportation, especially in the winter when frozen rivers act as makeshift roads.

The idea for the Alaska Turkey Bomb stemmed from Keim’s childhood, when a family friend would airdrop turkeys to her family and neighbors during the holidays. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Keim, prompting her to continue the tradition years later. Using a small plane rebuilt with her father, Keim embarked on a mission to deliver turkeys to families living in remote cabins without road access.

What started as a small gesture has now grown into an annual tradition, with Keim delivering 32 frozen turkeys this year to those living in the wilderness. Despite the challenges posed by Alaska’s unpredictable weather, Keim remains committed to ensuring that everyone has a Thanksgiving meal.

One of the recipients of Keim’s turkey drop is Dave and Christina Luce, who live on the Yentna River, 45 miles northwest of Anchorage. The 12-pound turkey delivered by Keim will not only provide a festive Thanksgiving meal for the Luce family but also their neighbors, highlighting the sense of community that thrives in remote Alaska.

Keim’s turkey deliveries extend as far as 100 miles from her base north of Anchorage, often enlisting the help of a “turkey dropper” to assist in the airdrops. With the support of donations from generous individuals reached through social media, Keim ensures that no family goes without a Thanksgiving turkey.

The joy and gratitude expressed by the families receiving the turkeys serve as a reminder of the impact of small acts of kindness. Keim’s ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit organization to expand the reach of her turkey drops and potentially include additional items for families in need.

As the Alaska Turkey Bomb continues to spread holiday cheer in the last frontier, it serves as a heartwarming reminder of the spirit of giving and community that transcends all boundaries.

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