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During the week of December 8, 2024, a unique holiday tradition unfolded over Micronesia's outer islands. A U.S. Air Force C130 cargo plane flew low over the islands, its pilot sporting a Santa hat. From the back of the plane, large boxes with parachutes descended gently into the island lagoon. Islanders eagerly awaited these festively decorated crates filled with gifts.
This event is part of Operation Christmas Drop, a humanitarian airlift that has taken place every Christmas season since 1952. According to Wikipedia, it is recognized as the longest-running humanitarian airlift in the world.
In recent years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has played a significant role in supporting this operation through donations collected throughout the year. Brett Child, who oversees the Church’s humanitarian efforts in Micronesia, remarked: “This is a great opportunity to join with other Christian Churches and charitable organizations in helping those throughout Micronesia who simply need some love and support.”
For 2024's drop, contributions from the Church included rice, casting nets, fishhooks, flip-flops, and first-aid kits. Individual members also contributed by sponsoring boxes and donating toys. Senior missionaries from the Micronesia Guam Mission added several bags of new toys to ensure children received plenty.
Before takeoff for what is officially termed a "training mission," contributors gathered at Andersen Air Force Base to decorate boxes with holiday images such as Christmas trees and manger scenes. Young airmen inspected these packages to ensure they were ready for delivery.
Operation Christmas Drop delivered gifts to 60 islands this year. The U.S. Air Force was joined by allies from South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Australia, and Canada in this effort to bring joy during the Christmas season.
