Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Volunteer pilots, known as the Backcountry Santas, delivered Christmas gifts to the Navajo Nation on Thursday.
- The mission involved 90 airplanes delivering over 2,200 boxes, a 37% increase from last year.
- Founder Mike Huish emphasized the community effort, and how planning for next year is already underway.
SALT LAKE CITY — You don't need a red suit or a white beard to deliver Christmas.
Sometimes all it takes is a big heart and, in this case, a name that stuck.
A group of volunteer pilots known as the Backcountry Santas took to the skies Thursday morning to deliver Christmas gifts and essential supplies to families across the Navajo Nation.
What began in 2019 as a small, simple idea with about a dozen airplanes has now grown into a mission that, this year, involved about 90 airplanes.
Backcountry Santa was created by Mike Huish, president of Huish Outdoors in Salt Lake City, after his recollection of a similar story involving a helicopter pilot delivering items to the Navajo Nation.
Now, the charitable group involves hundreds of volunteers who, this year, packed more than 2,200 boxes to be delivered.
This year is their biggest mission yet and a 37% increase from the number of boxes last year.
"It's amazing because this is such a team. It's a community of volunteers that help us make this happen," said Huish. "We're always looking for a way to give back. I think all of us are in some way, shape or form."
This year, the Backcountry Santas flew into the Kayenta area of the Navajo Nation.
Some boxes go out by truck to neighboring chapters.
Other pilots continue on to even more remote airstrips to reach more families.
Inside the boxes is a mix of food, hygiene items, warm clothing, and toys for children.
"The Native Americans across, you know, our Four Corners region are one of the most economically challenged populations in the United States," said Huish. "We listen a lot when we deliver things and figure out, what do these people want? What do they need?"
It's a long day, but pilots say the payoff is worth it.
"You know, you get to see a smile on a kid's face, an elder's that's, that's just— you see the gratitude," said Huish.
For him, and for the volunteers giving their time, fuel, and airplanes, it's a reminder of what the season is truly about.
"That's what it's all about. It's the season. It really makes us feel that Christmas spirit," said Huish. "Yeah, it's a great time. The holiday spirit is real and today is an exciting day for us."
Huish also says planning for next year's mission has already begun.
"I mean, literally as we're delivering these goods, we're thinking, 'Wow, what do we get next year?' And we start thinking and really understanding what we need to do," he said. "Once the deals come up is when we start shopping."
