Alaska Turkey Bomb
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7
In the heart of Alaska’s wild frontier, where snowy trails replace roads and frozen rivers become highways, a small bush plane brings more than just supplies -- it brings hope, joy, and a bit of holiday magic.
Meet Esther Keim, the mastermind behind the "Alaska Turkey Bomb." For the past three years, Esther has been flying her rebuilt plane low over the rugged wilderness of south-central Alaska, delivering frozen turkeys to families who can’t just pop into a grocery store.
Her mission began with a simple but profound idea: sharing holiday blessings. Esther grew up on an Alaskan homestead, where a family friend once air-dropped turkeys to her family and neighbors. Years later, inspired by that act of kindness, she took to the skies herself, delivering not just food but a sense of community.
This year alone, she has delivered 32 turkeys to remote cabins, often in areas unreachable by roads. For Dave and Christina Luce, who live 90 snowmobile-minutes from the nearest town, Esther’s delivery means more than just a meal -- it’s a reminder that they’re not forgotten.
Esther contacts families on social media to let them know she is coming, and then she buzzes low over the house so the homeowners will come outside.
“We won’t drop the turkey until we see them come out of the house or the cabin, because if they don’t see it fall, they’re not going to know where to look,” she said.
When there is deep snow, it can be especially difficult to find the turkey. In fact, a turkey was once missing for five days before it was found; the only casualty so far has been a lost ham. “Luckily it’s cold in Alaska, so I don’t have to worry about freezers,” Esther said.
“As far as precision and hitting our target, I am definitely not the best aim,” she joked. “I’ve gotten better, but I have never hit a house, a building, person or dog.” She said she prefers to drop the turkey on a frozen lake, if possible, so it's easy to find.
Esther’s generosity doesn’t stop at turkeys. With the help of donations and social media, she dreams of growing her mission into a nonprofit that could include toys for children or other much-needed supplies. “There’s so much we can do to bring joy,” she says.
This Christmas, Esther’s story is a beautiful reminder of what this season is about: sharing what God has given us, loving our neighbors with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and spreading Christ's joy to all we encounter. Whether it’s a turkey from the sky or a warm hug for someone nearby, we can all be a part of the giving spirit that makes Christmas resonate far beyond December 25.
Who in your life could use an unexpected gift this Christmas -- whether it’s your time, resources, or a word of encouragement? How will you reflect God’s generous heart in a practical way this week?