Turkeys from the Sky: How One Alaskan Woman is Dropping Holiday Cheer

In the remote wilds of Alaska, the holiday spirit takes flight. Esther Keim, a private pilot, has transformed Thanksgiving traditions by delivering frozen turkeys from the sky. Since 2021, she and her friend Heidi Hastings have taken to the air, dropping these delightful “turkey bombs” to families living off the beaten path, where access to fresh food can be as scarce as a winter sunbeam.

Keim’s journey began with a simple desire to help after a family visit to Skwentna, a small village where residents often make do with whatever they can hunt or scavenge. Remembering her own childhood experiences of receiving surprise food drops, she now finds joy in gifting these birds to those who otherwise might ask, “What’s for Thanksgiving dinner?”

The Alaska Turkey Bomb project has grown into a community effort, fueled by generous donations and local partnerships. With each drop, Keim not only provides sustenance but also connection, reminding families that they are not alone during the holidays. As planes roar above, it’s hard not to chuckle at the sight of a turkey tumbling through the air—now that’s one way to tenderize a bird!