Nonprofit seeking donations at Gulf Shores airport for Hurricane Isaias relief distribution

A storm relief group has launched efforts in Gulf Shores following the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias and is basing its donations and operations headquarters at the airport.

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based nonprofit organization founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, delivering food, water and medical supplies in communities affected by natural disasters with the help of volunteer pilots, ground crews and local partners.

Russ Keith, executive director for Operation Airdrop, said they were staged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and once the storm passed, they got in their vehicles and made their way to Gulf Shores. They have primarily been delivering water and supplies to Evergreen, Alabama, roughly 100 miles northeast of Baldwin County, and Pensacola, Florida, in the neighboring Panhandle area.

“Today, I got a phone call from Randal Brown, who is running for sheriff (in Evergreen), and he said they were desperately in need of water and food. They’re pretty well still blocked in, their water’s not running and people are running out of food," he told GCM on Monday.

Keith said establishments such as Publix in Gulf Shores and Home Depot in Foley donated water to Operation Airdrop, which will be distributed to communities such as Evergreen.

Operation Airdrop has established a resource collection point at the Gulf Air Center at Gulf Shores International Airport, Jack Edwards Field (KJKA), to support local communities affected by Hurricane Isaias. The team is began relief operations in Gulf Shores on Sunday, Oct. 11, and will remain in the area for the next few days.

The collection point is located at 3180 Airport Dr., Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Operation Airdrop is asking residents, businesses and community organizations to donate essential supplies that support cleanup, recovery, and the people doing that work.

Supplies the group is requesting include:

• Cleanup and repair: Tire patch kits, hammers, chainsaws, chain sharpeners, crowbars, gloves and commercial trash bags.Chainsaw supplies: Chainsaw oil and premixed chainsaw gas.
• Safety and first aid: Eye protection, eyewash, ear protection, bandages and gauze.
• Outdoor protection and hydration: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water and electrolytes (pickle juice).
• Additional supplies: Tarps, roofing nails, baby formula, baby diapers, adult diapers, non-perishable foods, feminine hygiene products.

Operation Airdrop is asking those wishing to donate chainsaw fuel or other liquids to confirm handling and drop-off instructions with Operation Airdrop before delivery. Collection hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Operation Airdrop will share additional arrival instructions through its official social media channels as the mission develops.