Shannon Currier, who leads philanthropy at SCF, shared her gratitude: “We are deeply grateful for the entire TA team for their continued support and generosity. Their commitment to support and promote our programs significantly amplifies our efforts to assist truck drivers in need. This long-time collaboration not only highlights the spirit of community within the trucking industry, but also provides essential support to our drivers, ensuring they receive the help they need while on the road. Thank you, TA, for being a steadfast partner in our mission.”

TA recently shared that their annual charity golf event in August was their best yet, bringing in almost $200,000. These funds will be shared equally between SCF and TAT. SCF, which helps drivers who can’t work due to illness or injury, will also receive an extra $89,000 from a Round-Up campaign that took place in June and July at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.

Esther Goetsch, Executive Director of TAT, also expressed her appreciation: “This support is crucial in our fight against human trafficking. Truck stops play a big role in keeping communities safe, and TA’s actions are making a difference.” In addition to raising funds, TA also works to spread awareness by training their staff every year and posting helpful information in their restrooms for anyone who might need it. TA has become a key partner in tackling this serious issue.

TA also thanked everyone who contributed to these efforts.

Debi Boffa, CEO of TA, said, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, partners, and team members who have shown incredible generosity. SCF and TAT do important work for the trucking community, and we’re committed to continuing our support for their efforts.”

Source: The Trucker

The post How TravelCenters of America is Embodying the Change they Wish to See in the World appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Originally established in 2007 by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Truckers For Troops started as a program designed to send care packages to active military members stationed in combat zones. Over time, its scope has expanded significantly, now providing vital support to various facilities that help wounded, disabled, or homeless veterans.

To date, Truckers For Troops has successfully raised over $800,000 and dispatched more than 3,200 care packages, positively impacting the lives of over 39,000 service members.

During an interview with KTVI-TV in St. Louis, OOIDA’s Director of Public Relations, Norita Taylor, articulated the initiative’s comprehensive mission: “We do have the care package program, but we also wanted to make sure that we include veterans here in the United States and people who have served. We knew there was a need. Our members, who are small-business truckers and truck drivers, some of them are veterans or they, like everyone, have relatives or friends that are veterans. They want to show their support in any way they can.”

In addition to the generous financial donation, the OOIDA Spirit tour truck provided 125 backpacks filled with snacks and hygiene essentials for VCP St. Louis, which will be shared with veterans who are homeless or who are seeking assistance from the project.

As part of Military Appreciation Month in May, Truckers For Troops conducted another fundraising campaign, channeling 100% of the proceeds towards care packages and further support for VCP.

The upcoming annual Truckers For Troops fundraising event is set to take place from November 11-17. “We hope that we can do more, and we’re always looking to do more,” said Taylor.

For those looking to support Truckers For Troops, contributions can be made online. For further inquiries regarding care packages, please email Troops@OOIDA.com.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers For Troops Pledges $10,000 to Veterans Community Project appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, initiated by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,600 cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to Sponsor a Wreath for 2024, please visit Wreaths Across America.

Hosted by the Bennett Family of Companies in collaboration with Tony Justice, this event aims to be the largest patriotic show in the trucking, showcasing a profound love for America while supporting a noble cause.

Activities throughout the event, including the Wreaths Across America Golf Ball Drop and the Proud Owners of Patriotic BIG Rig Trucks showcase, aim to honor and celebrate our heroes. Patriotic truck owners from across the nation will display their vehicles, showcasing their journeys and contributions to transporting wreaths from Columbia Falls, ME to National Cemeteries across the country. These trucks will share their trips, locations, and the number of wreaths they’ve hauled over the years, adding a unique and meaningful element to the event.

All proceeds from this event will contribute to covering the 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with wreaths during the Christmas season, alongside supporting military cemeteries across Georgia.

Don’t miss the special moments planned for this year’s event, including an electrifying performance by recording artist Tony Justice. On Saturday evening, Tony will take the stage for a live concert, featuring his signature song, “Stars, Stripes and White Lines”. Additionally, Saturday afternoon will feature a special presentation of the American Flag alongside a flyover of Vietnam Era Huey and Cobra Helicopters, symbolizing unity and honor.

Join the mission to make a difference and celebrate freedom at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 1-2, 2024. Let’s come together to honor our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Click here for more information or to register for the event.

Source: Bennett Events

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TA customers can participate by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the additional amount going to help professional truck drivers who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The St. Christopher Fund also offers health and wellness guidance, free vaccines, and preventative cancer screenings.

“This organization is an invaluable safety net for professional drivers when they’re experiencing a difficult time in their life,” said Debi Boffa, TravelCenters of America CEO. “We are grateful to our generous guests who recognize the value SCF brings to these incredibly hard-working men and women during their time of need.”

Last year’s campaign raised $150,000, and TA has contributed over $3 million to the St. Christopher Fund through various initiatives over the years.

“We are so grateful for the support TravelCenters of America provides in helping our driver community,” said Donna Kennedy, Executive Director, SCF. “Our safety net is only as strong as our amazing partners and sponsors, and we have the best.”

Throughout June and July, TA’s website will feature stories of drivers who have been able to return to work thanks to the support from the St. Christopher Fund.

For more information about the St. Christopher Fund, click here.

At the 42nd annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs Truck Show at the Texas Motor Speedway, every vote cast in the People’s Choice Award will contribute to the St. Christopher Fund. Shell has pledged to donate $1 per online vote, up to a total of $5,000. Voting is open until 4 p.m. Central on May 31.

Source: Land Line

The post TA Supporting St. Christopher Trucker Relief Fund – How You Can Help appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

These impactful donations mark a significant stride in empowering the Trucking Cares Foundation to extend its reach and fortify its longevity. The American Trucking Associations expresses gratitude for the unwavering support that will enable the foundation to transform its mission from vision to reality.

The group of benefactors, aptly named the TCF Founders Club, is a distinguished class of contributors, with each member pledging a noteworthy $100,000 over a span of 10 years. This long-term commitment underscores their dedication to fostering positive change within the trucking community and beyond.

“The TCF Founders Club Members are true heroes,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “They epitomize the character of what makes the American Trucking Associations members so special. Their servant attitude and spirit are on display every day on every highway and byway in America as they deliver the needs and wants to every corner of this great land. TCF is grateful for their generosity and caring. They have and will continue to make a difference.”

The Trucking Cares Foundation, true to its name, focuses on a spectrum of core areas intricately linked to the trucking industry. These encompass humanitarian initiatives, disaster relief efforts, combating human trafficking, promoting workforce development, fostering stronger ties between the industry and law enforcement, military, and veterans’ organizations, as well as spearheading safety and research initiatives. The breadth of these initiatives reflects the foundation’s comprehensive approach to making a lasting impact across various facets of the trucking landscape.

With the support of the TCF Founders Club, the foundation is poised to advance its noble causes, contributing to a more resilient, compassionate, and well-connected trucking industry. As these commitments unfold, the American Trucking Associations anticipates a ripple effect of positive change, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and communities it serves.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post $3.7 Million Gets Donated to Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The diverse range of service projects undertaken by Averitt associates included clothing, food, and toy drives, active participation in school functions, organizing blood drives, and contributing to holiday initiatives. A total of 102 local Averitt teams actively participated, collectively serving 205 community organizations.

“Helping people is something we strongly believe in,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt chairman and chief executive officer. “The Team Up Community Challenge is part of our culture of Associate Sharing, and our 2023 results were an incredible example of what’s possible when we work together. It also shows the kind of people we have on our team – people who go the extra mile and step up to meet the needs of our communities.”

Since the inception of the Team Up Community Challenge in 2011, Averitt associates have consistently demonstrated their dedication to community service, contributing:

• 70,973 hours of community service
• Support to 1,145 organizations

This remarkable track record not only highlights Averitt’s commitment to excellence in the transportation industry but also underscores its broader role in consistently giving back to communities across the nation. Through such initiatives, the trucking industry, represented by companies like Averitt, continues to play a vital role in making a positive difference beyond its core business functions.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Averitt

The post Record 18,000 Hours of Community Service Achieved by Averitt Associates appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe,” said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers. “Rounding up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives.”

Guests visiting participating Pilots, Flying J’s, and One9 travel centers can contribute in two ways:

1. Purchase Paper Hearts: Paper hearts priced at $1, $3, and $5 are available for purchase at the participating travel centers.
2. Pin Pad Roundups or Donations: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or choose to donate other amounts on the pin pad during checkout.

All contributions go directly to the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” campaign in the United States and the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. The entirety of the proceeds is donated to each organization, respectively, supporting the ongoing battle against heart-related illnesses.

Source: The Trucker

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“[The theme was] inspired by the remarkable stories of WAA volunteers whose work has been impactful in the surrounding communities as a beacon of inspiration for all,” according to a news release.

Karen Worcester, the executive director of WAA, shared that she feels this theme perfectly fits with key attributes of not only the organization’s mission and its volunteers but also our nation’s military.

“Over the course of the last year, and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December, I listened to people who had gone through great adversity, and they’d taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose,” she said. “For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”

Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, National Wreaths Across America Day marks a tradition of nearly 32 years where millions of volunteers and veterans converge to pay respects to fallen service members and their families. This tribute involves placing wreaths at the gravesites in national cemeteries across the country.

Under the overarching theme of “Live with Purpose,” WAA plans to engage the community through monthly videos and corresponding lesson plans, starting next month in February. These resources will delve into the symbolism of the 10 bouquets constituting a veteran’s wreath.

In the previous year, volunteers placed over 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones at 4,225 locations globally, emphasizing the widespread impact and participation in this heartfelt initiative. WAA’s commitment extends beyond the designated National Wreaths Across America Day, as volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to uphold the ethos of “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” Each name is spoken aloud during this process, acknowledging the profound sacrifices made by veterans for the nation’s freedom.

Wreaths Across America emphasizes that this event is free and open to everyone, encouraging community members to actively participate by either volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero. For comprehensive details and further updates, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and follow the progress here.

Source: The Trucker

The post Wreaths Across America Announces 2024 Theme appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“At ATG, giving back to our communities by helping to fight hunger and food insecurity is one of our top priorities,” said Kevin G. Holmes, ATG’s president and CEO. “We are grateful for the continued support our employees, customers, and business partners have for Haulin’ 4 Hunger and their commitment to help meet the increased demand our food pantries are facing during the holidays and throughout the year.”

On Dec. 15, ATG, alongside its dedicated Haulin’ 4 Hunger team, will lead two truck caravans from the Shrewsbury, Mass. dealership. Their mission: hand-deliver 4,200 meals, complete with fresh turkey and all the trimmings, to seven organizations offering food pantries and essential services. These contributions will be directed to communities in Worcester and other areas in Central Massachusetts, benefiting organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Friendly House, Jeremiah’s Inn, Marlborough Community Cupboard, South Worcester Neighborhood Center, St. Anne’s Human Services, and Veterans Inc.

ATG’s commitment doesn’t end there; the company will distribute thousands of nonperishable meals as part of its fourth quarter Haulin’ 4 Hunger donations. These contributions will reach six hunger relief organizations near other ATG dealerships in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Throughout December, ATG employees will deliver nonperishable meals, including canned chicken, ramen noodles, and canned peas, to LISTEN Food Pantry, New Hampshire Food Bank, Our Community Table, Our Place Drop-In Center, Raynham Food Basket, and Seabrook Food Pantry.

“The holidays are especially difficult for those struggling to put food on their table. Organizations we support are serving more people now than during the pandemic, with some seeing visits to their pantries this holiday season more than double compared to last year,” said Sarah Harrington, ATG’s integrated marketing manager and leader of the Haulin’ 4 Hunger program.

ATG attributes the success and expansion of Haulin’ 4 Hunger to the ongoing support from valued partners such as Dennis K. Burke, G. Lopes Construction, SelecTrucks of New England, Worcester Railers HC, and UniBank. This collaborative effort has enabled the program to increase donations to hunger relief organizations in every region where ATG operates. Since its initiation in 2012, Haulin’ 4 Hunger has been a beacon of generosity, contributing to the provision of over 34,000 meals for those in need.

For those interested in learning more about ATG’s Haulin’ 4 Hunger program and its impactful initiatives, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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The MoonPies, generously donated as part of the bakery’s regional school fundraising campaign, add a sweet twist to the concept of giving back. Schools participating in the “Patriotic Pies” program not only raise funds through MoonPie sales but also have the unique option to give these treats to members of the military. This approach transforms the act of fundraising into a meaningful way to show appreciation to those who serve our nation.

“We at USO Fort Campbell cherish the donations of fresh-baked MoonPies from the ‘Patriotic Pies’ project made possible by schools and their supporters,” said Ann Jarvis, executive director, USO at Fort Campbell. “They are a delight, and we always see smiles when service members receive them across Fort Campbell and our surrounding military community. The USO serves the people of our military, and fresh-baked MoonPies make that a little more delicious!”

Averitt Express played a pivotal role in this mission. Demonstrating their commitment to community and service, they transported the MoonPies from Chattanooga Bakery to Fort Campbell, covering a distance of 197 miles, all at no cost. This exemplifies the industry’s dedication not only to efficient logistics but also to the profound principle of giving back to those who make sacrifices for the greater good.

“Averitt is proud to play a role in any project that shows appreciation to members of the military, especially with the holiday season approaching. We were honored to provide the transportation for the ‘Patriotic Pies’ program,” said Barry Blakely, Averitt president and chief operating officer. “At Averitt, we have a special appreciation for our men and women in uniform. We are a veteran-owned company. About 15% of our associates are veterans. And we’re proud to have won several awards for hiring veterans and for our commitment to provide meaningful benefits to military personnel.”

This heartening collaboration between Averitt Express and MoonPie underscores the fact that the trucking industry is not just about the efficient movement of goods but also about contributing to the well-being and morale of communities. Through initiatives like these, the industry continues to showcase its compassion and commitment to making a positive impact beyond the highways and byways.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Photo: Averitt

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