These shipments are built to support groups rather than individuals, which shapes how each package is prepared and delivered.

How does Truckers for Troops support deployed troops

Truckers For Troops ships oversized care packages built for group use. Each box measures 24 by 24 by 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds, with enough contents to support an entire unit.

Items include essentials such as socks, along with smaller personal items that help break up daily routines during deployment. The focus is on practical support and morale.

How is Truckers For Troops funded

The program is funded through an annual campaign and direct contributions. During the campaign, drivers can join or renew membership at a discounted rate, with 10 percent of each transaction going to the program and matched dollar for dollar.

Additional donations can be made through the nonprofit foundation that supports the effort.

How much support has the program delivered

Since 2007, Truckers For Troops has raised more than 800,000 dollars and shipped nearly 40,000 care packages to service members.

The most recent campaign, held from November 10 through November 16, raised more than 29,000 dollars.

Why are more care packages being requested?

Support organizations working with military personnel report an increase in requests as deployments expand. The United Service Organizations has seen a rise in demand as service members are stationed across Europe and other regions.

With more personnel spread across multiple locations, access to everyday items becomes more limited, increasing the need for programs like this.

How families can request a care package

Family members and friends can request a care package by submitting a valid military mailing address.

Requests can be sent to troops@ooida.com. Packages are fulfilled based on available funding and shipping capacity.

How can drivers and supporters contribute

Drivers can support the program by participating in the annual campaign or by making direct contributions through the nonprofit foundation. These funds are used to assemble and ship care packages and support veterans.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who can request a care package?
Family members or friends of deployed service members can submit a request using a valid military mailing address.

Q: How large are the care packages?
Each package measures 24 by 24 by 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds, with enough contents to support an entire unit.

Q: How is the program funded?
Funding comes from membership contributions during the campaign, where 10 percent is donated and matched, along with direct contributions.

Q: How many care packages have been sent?
Nearly 40,000 care packages have been delivered since the program began.

Q: Why is demand increasing?
Demand has grown as more service members are deployed across multiple regions, including Europe.

Truckers For Troops continues to provide direct support to deployed service members through care packages funded by the trucking community. As demand increases, the program remains a practical way for drivers and supporters to contribute.

Author: Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry news, regulations, and real-world topics that impact drivers on and off the road. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

The post Truckers For Troops Accepting Care Package Requests for Deployed Service Members appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In 2007, a group of employees at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association decided that a care package program for service members overseas could make a real difference. Many of the employees had family members serving in conflict zones and knew firsthand how meaningful a package from home could be.

“I remember before we went on air with the first Truckers For Troops show on Land Line Now, that we all were guessing how much we might raise,” said Jami Jones, managing editor of Land Line. “We tossed around some numbers, and host Mark Reddig said he’d be thrilled with $5,000. So, that became the goal.”

The initial campaign far exceeded expectations. In its first week, Truckers For Troops raised $41,500. The overwhelming support showed that truckers across the country wanted to give back. After all, studies indicate that 33 to 40 percent of truck drivers are veterans themselves.

Every November, the OOIDA Truckers For Troops campaign raises funds for veteran organizations and sends care packages to active-duty U.S. troops stationed overseas. The 19th annual campaign started Monday, November 10, and will continue until the beginning of business Monday, November 17.

During the campaign, new and renewed OOIDA memberships are offered at a discounted rate of $35 per year. Ten percent of the membership fee goes directly to Truckers For Troops, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. Unique to this program, every cent raised goes either to sending care packages or supporting Veterans Community Project sites nationwide. OOIDA does not take any administrative fees.

Truckers who want to participate outside of business hours can easily go online to OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.

The campaign also collects names of military personnel currently serving on active duty. Truck drivers who know someone stationed overseas or at a domestic base with limited access can email the person’s name and mailing address to Troops@OOIDA.com.

Since its launch in 2007, OOIDA members have raised more than $800,000 for veterans and active-duty military. Those funds have delivered care packages to nearly 40,000 service members and sent aid to 65 facilities supporting wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

Truckers For Troops continues to show that when drivers come together, every dollar makes a difference and every mile traveled in support of our troops counts.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truckers For Troops: Every Dollar Makes a Difference appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Helping Those Who Serve 

Truckers have a long history of giving back, and Truckers for Troops continues that tradition. OOIDA explains, “The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.” 

The campaign focuses on sending care packages to troops overseas and providing assistance to veteran support facilities across the country. 

How Drivers Can Participate 

Truck drivers can get involved by joining or renewing their OOIDA membership for one year at $35. Ten percent of this fee goes directly toward care packages, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. 

Participation options include: 

• By Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and you will be connected to Membership. 

• Online: Click “Become a Member” on the OOIDA website to join or renew after hours. 

• Mail: Indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation Only” on your payment and specify “TROOPS.” Send donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation. 

Campaign Impact Over the Years 

Truckers have made a lasting difference. OOIDA reports, “Over the past 18 years, OOIDA has raised more than 800,000 dollars and sent more than 3,288 care packages, serving more than 39,400 members of the military. 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, S.D., Longmont, Co., St. Louis, Mo., and anticipate expanding to Oklahoma City, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Glendale, Ariz.” 

Veterans Community Project Spotlight 

Truckers supporting this campaign are also helping the Veterans Community Project, which provides veterans transitioning out of homelessness with tiny homes and access to community centers. OOIDA says, “This invaluable project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with ‘tiny homes’ filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.” 

Sending Care Packages 

Drivers with a family member or friend serving in the U.S. military can request a care package by sending the name and complete mailing address to troops@ooida.com. Include the projected stateside return date. 

Letters and cards showing appreciation can be mailed to:
Attention: Truckers for Troops
P.O. Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029 

OOIDA notes, “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.” 

For more information or to get involved, visit the Truckers for Troops website. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: OOIDA

The post Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Tradition of Giving Back

Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become a meaningful tradition in the OOIDA community. Aimed initially at sending care packages to service members in combat zones, the program’s reach has grown to include assistance for various veteran facilities that support wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

“The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones,” shared OOIDA. “Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.”

Incredible Milestones Over the Years

Thanks to the generosity of truckers and supporters, the program has achieved remarkable results in its 17 years:

• Over $800,000 raised to benefit service members and veterans.
• 3,278+ care packages sent to military members overseas.
• Impacted the lives of 39,276 military personnel
• Provided aid to 65 facilities dedicated to caring for veterans who are wounded, disabled, or homeless.

How You Can Get Involved

During the campaign week, anyone can take part by joining or renewing their membership with OOIDA for just $35. Here’s how your contribution helps:

• 10% of membership fees will go towards creating care packages.
• OOIDA matches the contribution dollar for dollar, doubling the impact.

Ways to Participate:

1. By Phone: Call 816-229-5791, mention “Truckers for Troops,” and ask to be connected to Membership.
2. Online: Visit the official OOIDA website and click “Become a Member” to join or renew.
3. By Mail: Specify “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” with “TROOPS” written on your payment. Mail donation checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

For direct donations or more information, check out the Truckers for Troops page. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible as OOIDA operates under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.

Sending Care Packages

Do you know a service member in the U.S. military who would love to receive a care package?

You can send their name, complete address, and projected stateside return date to troops@ooida.com to ensure they receive a thoughtful package filled with appreciation.

Share Words of Encouragement

You can also brighten a deployed service member’s day by sending cards or letters!

Address your messages to:

Attention: Truckers for Troops

P.O. Box 1000

Grain Valley, MO 64029

While including towns or school names is encouraged, be sure not to include personal details such as last names.

Partnering with Wreaths Across America

Truckers for Troops also supports Wreaths Across America, an effort to honor fallen heroes by placing wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

Here’s how you can help:

• Each wreath sponsorship is $17.
• For every wreath sponsored, $5 is allocated to Truckers for Troops, furthering its mission to support troops and veterans.

If you want to sponsor a wreath, click here.

Honor Those Who Serve

Truckers for Troops embodies the trucking industry’s dedication to giving back to the community. Truckers and their supporters have created a meaningful campaign that stands the test of time by rallying together. Join in and be part of supporting those who serve and protect us every day.

Whether through a donation, membership renewal, or simply sending a card of gratitude, every contribution makes a difference.

Source: The Trucker

The post OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops Campaign Supporting Military Heroes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.