In the remote regions of Alaska, this Thanksgiving, a unique and heartwarming tradition has taken to the skies—the dropping of frozen turkeys from a small airplane. Spearheaded by Alaska native Esther Keim, the initiative, known as the Alaska Turkey Bomb, is now in its third consecutive year. This service aims to provide those residing in isolated areas of south-central Alaska with the traditional Thanksgiving meal, ensuring that families who might otherwise go without can still celebrate the holiday.
Esther Keim’s journey began in her childhood, living in Skwentna, a quaint community located roughly 50 miles northwest of Anchorage. In a video interview with Alaska Gear Company, she reminisced about the challenges families faced during the fall freeze-up when travel became perilous due to treacherous weather conditions. “In the fall, in the freeze-up, families would be stuck out there because you can’t travel—everything would be freezing up. It’s not safe,” Keim explained, providing a vivid picture of the Alaskan landscape during the harsh winter months.
She shared an endearing memory from her youth about a friend who would fly in on Thanksgiving to drop off a turkey, along with a newspaper containing a pack of gum. The excitement of such small gifts meant the world to her as a child. For Alaskan kids who may have limited access to stores, such treats were incredibly special. Keim noted that the period of freeze-up at the beginning of winter and breakup in spring creates significant barriers for families who cannot easily travel to obtain food supplies.
After relocating to Anchorage, Keim was inspired to launch the Alaska Turkey Bomb in late 2022. The catalyst for this venture was a nearby family facing the prospect of an empty table for Thanksgiving. “He was saying how one squirrel doesn’t split three ways very far for dinner,” Keim recalled. This poignant statement ignited her resolve to deliver turkeys not only that family but to many others in similar situations. She recognized the profound impact that a simple gesture could have during the holidays.
Navigating the “bush” of Alaska is no simple task; many areas lack roads and can only be accessed by plane, snowmobile, or boat—especially critical during Thanksgiving when families find themselves isolated. Keim emphasized the efficiency of airdropping turkeys, allowing her and her pilot, Heidi Hastings, to reach multiple families quickly. This year alone, Keim managed to deliver turkeys to around 30 households, including an elderly couple, Dave and his wife, living near the Yentna River. At 80 years old, Dave remarked on how their winter adventures have dwindled over the years, making their acquaintance with Keim and her thoughtful gifts all the more meaningful.
The turkey drop is not just about bringing frozen meals; it also embodies community and connection. “I could see their excitement,” Keim shared, relating how she and Hastings flew low during the drops, making it a memorable experience for the children. Understanding the significance of childhood joy, she included candy in the turkey bomb packages for families with kids, recalling her own experiences growing up in isolation.
Keim’s efforts rely heavily on donations, as she purchases turkeys in batches and keeps them in her truck until it’s time for delivery. With a sense of humor, she said, “Luckily it’s cold in Alaska, so I don’t have to worry about freezers.” However, her ambitions stretch beyond this year’s efforts; Keim has plans to expand the Alaska Turkey Bomb into a nonprofit organization, enabling her to seek more funding and reach even more rural families living off-grid across the state.
In summary, the Alaska Turkey Bomb stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences. It highlights the importance of ensuring that even the most remote families can partake in the joys of Thanksgiving—one frozen turkey at a time.