On Friday, May 29, volunteer pilots from Angel Flight West left from Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport to deliver fresh produce to Hualapai and Navajo communities in Kingman and Chinle. The collection campaign was organized by Lifeline Christian Mission, which runs Red Sands Christian School and The Well Christian Church in Winslow. Brian Snyder, Lifeline’s director, explains, “We placed a need out to our supporters and Compass Christian Church in Colleyville, Texas, contacted us. They have a connection with the USDA and wanted to see if we could use a semi full of fresh fruits and vegetables. We knew there was a huge need on the reservations and especially in outlying areas. We gladly accepted the offer.” Prior to this delivery, they’ve received and distributed three truckloads of apples, onions, cantaloupe, oranges, carrots, romaine lettuce and potatoes. Volunteer pilots from Angel Flight West are flying the supplies to their destinations. Founded in 1984, Angel Flight West (AFW) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults who need to travel long distances to access medical care and other essential services. AFW’s volunteer pilots donate their time, talent, airplanes, fuel and all expenses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AFW has realigned its operations to fly needed supplies to rural areas. Working with multiple partners in the Intermountain West, AFW has already transported more than seven tons of PPE and other supplies to the Navajo and Hopi facilities that include Navajo Northern Medical Center, Gallup Indian Medical Center, Tsehootsooi Medical Center, Crownpoint Health Care Facility, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, Kayenta Health Center, Whiteriver Indian Hospital and Hopi Health Care Center. Snyder stated. “We are so thrilled to partner with Angel Flight West, to transport this fresh food to places that are hard to serve those people on the reservation and surrounding areas.” Josh Olson, AFW’s executive director, adds, “Our volunteers amaze me on a daily basis. The great thing about Angel Flight West, our volunteers and airplanes, is that they are incredibly valuable transportation resources and can respond quickly to where there is the most need. Just like our donated flights can help people get to healthcare, our flights providing PPE, blood, and other supplies can help people stay healthy and safe where they are. We’re proud to support those efforts. And working with Lifeline Christian Mission has been a great experience.” For more information or to donate, please visit the Angel Flight West website www.angelflightwest.org or Facebook page www.facebook.com/angelflightwest. For information about Lifeline Christian Mission, contact Brian Snyder at (928) 289-9221, or brian.snyder@lifeline.org.
