Wed, Dec 16, 2009
"Operation Christmas Drop" Began In 1952
U.S. Air Force aircraft will parachute more than 20 tons of
donated items to Pacific Islanders throughout Micronesia during the
58th annual “Operation Christmas Drop” December 16-19.
Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running organized air drop
in the world and one of the largest charity efforts in the Pacific.
Through the cooperation of local and military communities in the
Asia-Pacific region, Operation Christmas Drop has delivered over
800,000 pounds of much needed food, supplies, tools, and toys to
thousands of residents living on remote islands throughout
Micronesia.
U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft will parachute more than 20 tons
of donated items to Pacific Islanders throughout Micronesia during
the 58th annual “Operation Christmas Drop” December
16-19.
Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running organized air
drop in the world and one of the largest charity efforts in the
Pacific. Through the cooperation of local and military communities
in the Asia-Pacific region, Operation Christmas Drop has delivered
over 800,000 pounds of much needed food, supplies, tools, and toys
to thousands of residents living on remote islands throughout
Micronesia.
The operation started in December of 1952 when locals on the
island of Kapingamarangi waved to the crew of a USAF WB-50 flying
overhead. In the spirit of the holiday season, the Airmen gathered
what supplies they could, packed them into a canister, attached a
parachute and dropped the goods to the islanders.
Today, the men and women of Pacific Air Forces, the University
of Guam, local government, businesses, individuals and professional
and charitable organizations work together to raise money and
collect merchandise to deliver toys, clothing, fishing equipment,
sporting goods, food items and tools to the remote islands and
atolls in the area.
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