The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is launching the 10th annual Truckers for Troops care package campaign, scheduled for the week of November 13-17.
The fundraising effort is an OOIDA tradition since 2007 and has a head start with a generous donation of $2,000 from Shell Rotella. Truckers for Troops raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones.
Truckers for Troops will also help a variety of veteran’s facilities here in the United States, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.
During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s “Land Line Now” satellite radio show on Sirius XM 146. During that week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $35, with 10% of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar. Any new or renewal memberships collected through the start of business November 20 will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund.
Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. You can also visit Jon Osburn at The Spirit of the American Trucker touring trailer during the campaign and sign up or renew your membership.
During the past 10 years, the Truckers for Troops effort has raised more than $500,000, allowing the Truckers for Troops to send care packages to nearly 36,000 military personnel.
The Association is also currently seeking addresses for sending packages and accepting personal cards or letters to include inside the packages.
“We like getting handmade cards or letters from a variety of groups and individuals to include in the packages,” said Norita Taylor, OOIDA director of public relations. “A personal note or card adds warmth to what we send.”
Package addresses:
Anyone who has a family member or friend serving in a combat zone with the US military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date. We are also looking for veteran facilities with unmet needs.
Cards and letters:
Attention: Truckers for Troops, PO Box 1000, Grain Valley MO 64029. Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas. Packages go out after the holidays in January or February 2018.