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
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