Overview:
Koror State officials are addressing public concerns over the fair distribution of donated supplies from this year’s Operation Christmas Drop, as communities across Palau prepare for coordinated deliveries scheduled later this month.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — “While our goal is to ensure that everyone receives support, we cannot always guarantee the quantity or condition of the items received,” Koror State Gov. Eyos said as officials addressed public concerns over the fair distribution of donated supplies from this year’s Operation Christmas Drop.
The annual humanitarian airlift was conducted Dec. 7, 10 and 11, delivering donated goods to communities across Palau, including Koror, Kayangel, Tobi, Pulo Anna, Sonsorol, Angaur and Peleliu.
Operation Christmas Drop is the U.S. Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. It is led by the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with participation from the Philippine Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and the Palau national and state governments. Volunteers include Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilian personnel.
In recent days, questions have been raised by members of the public about how supplies from the drop are handled and distributed, particularly whether donations are reaching intended recipients in a fair and equitable manner.
Governor Eyos said the supplies delivered through Operation Christmas Drop consist primarily of donated goods and are not always specifically intended for children, as some residents may assume.
“In some instances, supplies arrive in poor condition due to weather exposure, which limits our ability to distribute them directly,” Eyos said. “While our goal is to ensure that everyone receives support, we cannot always guarantee the quantity or condition of the items received, and we want to avoid situations where some individuals are left out.”
He added that Koror State works each year with partner organizations to ensure donated items are distributed responsibly and where they are most needed. Past recipients have included institutions such as the Koror Jail, the Red Cross and other community organizations.
Distribution of this year’s supplies, coordinated with partner organizations, is scheduled for Dec. 16, according to state officials.
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