The season of Giving

Over the years, this magazine has reported on pilots distributing gifts to foster children in Michigan (Operation Good Cheer), pilots delivering seasonal greens and greetings to a remote island in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay (Holly Run Charity Fly-Out), and pilots gathering gifts and goods for Native American families (Navajo Christmas Airlift), as well as the ongoing work of the many charitable aviation organizations such as Mission Flight, Air Serv, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Angel Flight, SafeLaunch, Veterans Airlift Command, Pilots N Paws, and so many more. This month we honor the co-founder of Air Care Alliance, the organization that binds all these volunteer groups together (see “Pilots: ‘Rol’ Morrow,” p. 112) and salute pilots for the life-saving work they do (see “When Minutes Matter,” p. 70).

We all can’t put our airplanes to good use in public benefit flying, but we can find a way to help others through charitable giving, the act of donating money or pledges to the organizations who do good work.

The AOPA Foundation provides a variety of giving opportunities to ensure that all aviators can protect our shared passion for flying. Visit our website to see the range of ways to give that fit your life. Donations made in support of the You Can Fly program before December 31 are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match, effectively doubling the impact of your donation. You can choose to take your support to the next level by including a gift to the AOPA Foundation in your estate plans, such as a will or trust. Becoming a member of the AOPA Foundation Legacy Society (aopa.org/legacy) provides a great opportunity to help build a stronger, safer pilot community.

“You should know that we take our responsibility as stewards of your generosity very seriously. The AOPA Foundation has a four-star designation from Charity Navigator for our ethical and efficient use of donations,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “As we gather with family and friends over this holiday season and continue to think about how to support things we hold dear, please consider how much general aviation has enriched your life.”