Celebrating its 18th year, the Truckers for Troops campaign kicks off alongside Veterans Day, continuing its mission to support U.S. military members and veterans. This initiative, led by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), will run from November 11-17, focusing on delivering care packages to deployed troops and aiding veterans at home.
Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become an integral part of OOIDA’s work, originally focusing on sending essential items to service members in combat zones. The program has expanded over the years to provide much-needed support to various veterans facilities, including those that assist wounded, disabled, or homeless veterans.
“Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39,396 members of the military,” states OOIDA, “The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently they have locations in Sioux Falls, SD; Longmont, CO: St. Louis, MO; and will be expanding to Oklahoma City, OK; Milwaukee, WI; and Glendale, AZ.”
How to Participate
During this week-long campaign, truckers can join or renew their membership for $35, with 10% allocated to funding care packages. OOIDA will match this contribution dollar for dollar.
- Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours and mention Truckers for Troops. After hours, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail.
- Online: Visit https://www.ooida.com/ and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.
- Mail: Send payments indicating “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only,” specifying “TROOPS.” Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.
For more information on donations, visit the Truckers for Troops website. The OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund.
Spotlight on Veterans Community Project
The Veterans Community Project is an innovative initiative boasting a 60% success rate in aiding veterans’ transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The project provides veterans with “tiny homes” equipped with amenities and access to a community center for support. With several operational sites and plans for further expansion, VCP aims to make a positive impact nationwide.
Send Care Packages
If you have a family member or friend serving in the military and would like them to receive a care package, send their name and complete address to [email protected], including their projected stateside return date.
Show Appreciation
To send cards and letters of appreciation, address them to Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. You may include town or school names, but avoid last names or personal details. There’s no specific theme required, and they don’t need to be holiday related.
Source: The Trucker
Image: OOIDA
