After Sept. 11, 2001, and the subsequent shifting of leadership in Afghanistan, there was tremendous interest by the world community and an opportunity to deliver more relief aid to the Afghan people.  Afghanistan Relief Organization collected winter relief supplies—blankets, clothing, medical supplies and food—for distribution to the displaced war victims and refugees who would face the harsh winter.

    ARO prepared desperately needed supplies for the first commercial 747 plane flown into Kabul International Airport in almost 30 years, through the generosity of Evergreen Airlines (see UPI story under February 2002).

    The Oregon-based Evergreen Airlines helped  ARO—along with other charitable groups—bring thousands of pounds of relief supplies. The cost of the flight—piloted by Afghan American Golum Husaim—was estimated at $600,000. The flight was made in February 2002 while wartime bombing continued, a risk to the pilot and those on the flight to deliver relief supplies.

    ARO chairman Abul Khalili was on the ground in Afghanistan to receive and unpack the supplies for distribution.  ARO delivered relief supplies from the Evergreen Airlines airlift directly into the hands of Afghans throughout Afghanistan, despite prohibitions on other NGOs unable to enter due to the risk.

    ARO expresses its sincere thanks to Evergreen Airlines for their significant act of charity and generosity, and the personal risk undertaken by Evergreen employees and pilots.