2024 - 2025
IMPACT REPORT Helene
Board Chairman’s Message
Board Chairman Doug Jackson
To Those Who Stand Beside Us—Our Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride for the remarkable strides Operation Airdrop has made in our mission to provide rapid disaster relief. From our humble beginnings as a small, all-volunteer organization, we have steadily grown into a dynamic force capable of delivering critical aid when communities need it most. Our success has been powered by the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, and partners like you who have shared in our vision and worked alongside us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters. A pivotal moment in our journey came during our response to Hurricane Helene. This catastrophic event, which devastated large parts of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, highlighted the challenges of delivering timely, effective aid to areas that were isolated and inaccessible. As the scale of the disaster grew, so did the demand for a more robust and coordinated response. It became clear that in order to scale our impact, we needed to invest in infrastructure and operational capacity. This need for growth went beyond just logistics; it called for a deepened commitment to not only responding in the moment but ensuring we are ready for whatever disaster may come next. In response to these lessons, we are embarking on a transformative journey by transitioning from an all-volunteer organization to one that incorporates full-time staff. This is a critical step forward in strengthening our operational capacity and enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes. The decision to bring full-time staff on board is not just about growth; it's about ensuring the stability and sustainability of our mission. It’s about providing the structure needed to support our volunteers and maximize the impact of every donation and resource entrusted to us. This evolution allows us to better serve our communities in need by improving response times, offering consistent support to our volunteers, and providing stronger leadership during times of crisis. It also ensures that as we continue to grow, we will be able to expand our network and services to reach even more people who need urgent assistance. This shift will ultimately result in a more streamlined and efficient operation, one that can scale its response while maintaining the core values of compassion, respect, and integrity that have always defined us. We are deeply committed to ensuring that the funds we raise and the resources we mobilize are used in the most effective way possible, delivering both immediate relief and long-term recovery to those in need. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering: to continue providing life-saving aid, to build a more resilient and prepared future, and to support communities through the most challenging times they face. We are immensely grateful for the dedication and generosity of all who have been part of this incredible journey. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do, and together, we will continue to make a profound impact.
With gratitude,
Doug Jackson Board Chairman Operation Airdrop
Our Origins
From Grassroots Beginnings to a Historic Response in Hurricane Helene
Operation Airdrop began in 2017 as a grassroots response to Hurricane Harvey. In the chaos that followed the storm, a small group of pilots realized they could put their aircraft to work delivering lifesaving supplies to communities cut off by flooded roads and collapsed infrastructure. Founded by Doug Jackson and fellow aviation enthusiasts, Operation Airdrop was born out of urgency, compassion, and a firm belief that ordinary people, equipped with the right tools, can do extraordinary things in times of crisis. Since then, our mission has remained focused on rapid response: mobilizing volunteer pilots to deliver essential supplies to hard to reach communities during disasters. From the skies, we’ve provided hope, relief, and critical resources to families when they need it most.
Hurricane Helene: A Defining Moment
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck with catastrophic force. A powerful Category 4 storm, Helene, devastated large parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, cutting off access to entire towns. Over 1,000 bridges and more than 5,000 miles of roadways were rendered impassable, leaving families, first responders, and whole communities isolated without food, power, or communications. Operation Airdrop responded with the largest and most complex mobilization in our history. With the help of over 200 volunteer pilots and a fleet of small aircraft and helicopters, we delivered over 1 million pounds in critical supplies. These weren’t just general donations; every delivery was tailored to urgent needs on the ground.
Our missions included:
Diapers and baby formula Shelf-stable, high-energy food supplies to sustain communities in the first days after disaster strikes Insulin and vital medications for those with chronic health conditions Hygiene kits and communication devices When roads failed, we didn’t stop. Fixed-wing planes and helicopters reached mountaintop communities. Every load we carried meant survival, dignity, and relief for someone who thought the world had forgotten them.
Expanding Our Reach—While Staying True to Our Mission
Operation Airdrop’s mission has always been focused on the first 24 to 72 hours after a disaster. We exist to fill the critical gap before traditional relief systems can fully mobilize. Our strength lies in rapid response, getting essential supplies into the hands of families when they need them most. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the need was so overwhelming that we stepped beyond our usual scope. We helped provide 150 temporary housing trailers and supported local businesses in reopening their doors. These efforts were never meant to replace the work of long-term recovery agencies but served as a vital bridge, offering stability in the most uncertain of times and helping families begin the journey back to normal. Though these expanded efforts were extraordinary, they were rooted in the same principle that guides everything we do: meeting urgent needs with speed, compassion, and action. We delivered stability, restored livelihoods, and helped families take the first steps back to normal.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Hurricane Helene marked a turning point for Operation Airdrop. It tested our limits and showed us that we could rise to meet even the most overwhelming need. What began as a small volunteer force has grown into a national model for nimble, compassionate disaster response. As we look to the future, we remain grounded in our mission: to fly into the hardest-hit areas and bring help to those who need it most.
The Mission
At Operation Airdrop, we exist to deliver hope, help, and humanity from the sky to the ground—swiftly, safely, and selflessly.
We mobilize volunteers, pilots, and partners to bring critical supplies into disaster zones when traditional aid can't reach. With every flight, every landing, and every hand-off, we connect compassion with action because in times of crisis, speed saves lives.
Partner Highlight
Operation Airdrop, Lowe’s, and Ground Force Unite to Bring Relief to North Carolina Hurricane Survivors
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction in North Carolina, Operation Airdrop, Lowe’s, and Ground Force joined forces to bring critical supplies, warmth, and recovery tools to thousands of affected residents. The collaboration combined funding, logistics, and boots-on-the-ground support to deliver both immediate and long- term relief. Together, these efforts helped restore comfort, safety, and dignity to communities working tirelessly to rebuild.
Propane for Heat and Survival
Following widespread power outages, propane became an urgent need for cooking and heating. Operation Airdrop worked closely with Ground Force to distribute over 300 propane bottles to families across the hardest-hit areas. The propane helped residents safely cook meals, stay warm, and manage daily life during the critical first days after the storm. Priority distributions targeted elderly individuals, families with infants, and residents in remote or isolated communities.
$100,000 in Tools to Empower Recovery
Recovery begins with the right tools. Operation Airdrop contributed $75,000, and Lowe’s generously donated $25,000, enabling the purchase of essential supplies such as: Rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows Gloves, safety gear, and protective equipment Tarps, toolkits, and repair supplies Ground Force played a key role in the distribution of these tools, ensuring they reached residents, volunteer crews, and local first responders quickly and equitably. By getting supplies directly into the hands of those affected, the partnership helped accelerate cleanup and restoration efforts across the state.
Stronger Together
“This was a true example of collaboration in crisis,” said Russ Keith, Executive Director at Operation Airdrop. “Operation Airdrop provided the funding, Lowe’s stepped in with critical support, and Ground Force got those supplies where they were needed most—fast.” Local leaders, volunteers, and families alike benefited from this joint initiative that blended national support with community-level distribution.
Moving Forward
The path to recovery in North Carolina continues, but partnerships like this one are helping communities clear debris, repair homes, and regain momentum. Operation Airdrop remains committed to supporting local resilience and readiness for future emergencies.
Partner Highlight
Operation Airdrop + Helo — Expanding the Reach of Disaster Relief
A Shared Mission Takes Flight
Disaster doesn’t wait for the perfect runway. It hits fast, and the need for relief hits even faster. That’s why Operation Airdrop, known for its rapid response via fixed-wing aircraft, has proudly supported the launch of a new airborne force in disaster relief: Operation Helo.
Two Wings, One Purpose
Spun off from Operation Airdrop, Operation Helo was created as a complementary force to Operation Airdrop, with both organizations united by a shared mission: delivering critical supplies to communities cut off by disaster. Fixed- wing pilots with Operation Airdrop provide the backbone of large scale disaster response, using aircraft with greater payload capacity and speed to move volumes of aid quickly and efficiently. Meanwhile, Operation Helo uses helicopters to reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible, bridging the gap where runways don’t exist and ground access is impossible. Together, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft create a versatile and powerful response network, ensuring no community is left behind
Collaboration in Crisis: Hurricane Helene
The partnership between the two organizations came into sharp focus during the response to Hurricane Helene, one of the most challenging relief operations to date. Roads were impassable, and many communities were left stranded. As part of the joint response, Operation Airdrop provided funding for over 150+ trailers for temporary housing, helping displaced families regain stability. Operation Helo played a key role in distributing those trailers and also partnered with Airdrop to deploy over 500 Starlink units, generously donated by Starlink, restoring critical communications in areas with no internet or cellular service. In addition, Operation Airdrop funded two semi truckloads of propane, and Blue Rhino generously donated a third. Operation Helo assisted in the delivery and distribution of the propane, ensuring families had access to essential fuel for heating and cooking during the crisis.
Independent, Yet United
Though now operating independently, the bond between Airdrop and Helo remains rooted in shared values: speed, agility, and a commitment to saving lives. Each organization plays a unique role in disaster zones, one with the power to span wide distances, the other with the precision to land exactly where aid is needed most.
Flying Further, Together
Together, we are building an aerial relief ecosystem, planes and helicopters united by purpose, grounded in compassion, and powered by volunteers who refuse to let geography stand in the way of help.
Executive Director’s Message
Executive Director Russ Keith
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
As we reflect on another impactful year at Operation Airdrop, I am proud to share this Annual Impact Report, a reflection of the resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment that powers our mission. In the face of natural disasters and urgent humanitarian need, our incredible volunteers and donors rose to the occasion, bringing hope to communities when it was needed most.
This year marked a season of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. With your support and through the tireless efforts of our volunteer network, we expanded our capacity to deliver rapid, lifesaving aid. Together, we:
Logged over 673 fixed-wing flights Delivered more than 1 million pounds of emergency supplies Dropped over 500+ Starlink units into cut off communities
These accomplishments represent more than operational success; they are stories of lives touched and futures made brighter because of people like you. As we look ahead, our vision for the coming year centers on capacity building and readiness through strategic initiatives. We are looking to invest in scalable infrastructure and stronger logistics networks to ensure we can respond faster and more effectively when disaster strikes. This work is made possible by our community, those who give their time, resources, and hearts to lift others up. To our volunteers, who show up with courage and compassion, and to our donors, who believe in the power of direct, grassroots action, thank you. Your commitment fuels every mission we fly and every life we touch.
Together, we are not just responding to emergencies—we are building a more prepared, resilient, and a hopeful future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Russ Keith Executive Director Operation Airdrop
The Numbers
Helene Donations Percentage by Campaign
Helene Expense
General Fund
Helene
3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
General Fund 47.6%
Helene Designated 52.4%
1000000
500000
0
Helene Expense General Fund
Helene
Campaign
Missions Flown, Supplies Delivered, Communication Dropped to Remote Locations
402,000+ lbs Supplies flown
673 Fixed Wing Flights
700,000+ lbs Supplies Trucked
150+ RV’s for Temporary Housing
500+ Starlink Dropped in Remote Locations
Director of Development’s Message
Director of Development Matt Brantner
Dear friends & supporters,
I am honored to step into the role of Director of Development for Operation Airdrop, an organization with an incredible mission to deliver critical aid to communities during their darkest hours in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters.
Reflecting on the incredible work we accomplished together during Operation Helene, I am humbled and inspired by the dedication and passion fueling this organization.
Thanks to the heroic efforts of our volunteers, pilots, and partners - fueled by our generous donors - Operation Airdrop delivered more than one million pounds of emergency supplies during Operation Helene. Our volunteer pilots logged nearly 700 flight missions to ensure communities in Western North Carolina got the life-saving supplies they needed in the aftermath of Helene.
Together, we are just getting started.
As we look to the year ahead, my focus will be on creating opportunities for you, our friends and supporters, to engage more deeply with Operation Airdrop's mission - whether through volunteering, making a tax-deductible contribution, or by simply helping us spread the word about our mission to deliver essential supplies to those in need when it matters most.
Thank you for supporting Operation Airdrop and our mission in Western North Carolina. Your generous support has literally saved lives by offering hope, dignity, and essential supplies from the skies.
Let’s keep working together to deliver life-saving aid wherever and whenever it’s needed most.
Sincerely,
Matt Brantner, CFRE Director of Development Operation Airdrop
Thank you for Your support
Together, we are not just responding to disasters; we are shaping a future that is stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Every mission we undertake is a testament to the power of collective action, the courage of our volunteer pilots, the generosity of our donors, the steadfastness of our partners, and the belief of our supporters. In the face of devastation, your compassion has lifted families out of despair and delivered hope when it was needed most. Time and again, the true strength of our mission reveals itself in the quiet determination of people like you, those who show up, step in, and stand strong for others. Because of your unwavering support, we’ve reached isolated communities, restored vital communications, delivered lifesaving supplies, and offered shelter to families in crisis. You have been the difference between uncertainty and stability, between helplessness and hope. But this is only the beginning. With your continued support, we will expand our reach, strengthen our capacity, and accelerate our ability to respond so that no community has to wait in the dark. Every gift, every shared story, and every volunteer hour bring us closer to a world where disasters are not met with fear, but with swift, coordinated compassion. Now is the time to stay engaged and amplify the impact we can make together. Share our mission. Volunteer your time. Donate. Inspire others to join us in building a more resilient tomorrow. Together, we can be the steady hand in the storm and the helping lift that brings families back to their feet.
Will you continue this journey with us?
Your support fuels our work, and every action you take helps us move closer to a world where disaster is met with preparedness, strength, and unwavering hope.
Final Note: Let’s keep this momentum going. The work we do is only possible because of you. Thank you for being a part of the Operation Airdrop family and for helping us create a legacy of compassion and action that will be felt for years to come.
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