“Providing St. Jude with resources of their choosing based on the need of the kids has been such a rewarding experience,” shared Jeff Edwards, Regional Vice President of Sales at Averitt. “We have found that not only do our associates rally behind these drives, but our customers do as well.”

Thousands of Toys, Endless Smiles

The initiative, now in its fifth year, has delivered thousands of toys to brighten the days of children undergoing treatment. What began with a simple Play-Doh drive has since expanded to include items such as coloring books, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, and action figures.

The results continue to inspire all involved. For instance, in 2023, Averitt collected and donated 30,000 Hot Wheels cars. Fast forward to 2024, their efforts shifted to dolls and action figures with an astounding total of 10,000 toys gifted to St. Jude.

A Culture of Giving Back

The toy drives are part of Averitt’s larger “Team Up Community Challenge” program. This year-round initiative encourages Averitt associates to engage in service projects within their local communities. Furthermore, Averitt matches its associates’ volunteer hours with contributions made through Averitt Charities, their non-profit organization dedicated to charitable causes.

St. Jude provides guidance each year by sharing a list of needed items, ensuring every contribution is impactful and meaningful. “We started with a Play-Doh drive after Todd Harrett and I visited St. Jude for a check presentation one year. From there, what began locally in Louisville became an initiative in all our region,” said Jimmy Hoskins, Operations Manager at Averitt’s Louisville facility. “We have been amazed at the generosity of our company, our associates, our customers, and our community. Anything I ask our associates to do, they step up because they love the kids.”

For more details about Averitt’s community-focused work, visit Averitt Charities.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Averitt

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Committed to Helping Shelter Dogs Thrive

Lily Paws, a dedicated committee within Lily Transportation, focuses on improving the lives of shelter dogs nationwide. Their efforts, supported by employee donations and volunteers, provide essential supplies to shelters and highlight adoptable pups through social media outreach. “Lily Paws is a passionate committee dedicated to supporting shelter dogs across the country,” the company emphasized in a press release. “Thanks to generous donations, Lily provides crucial supplies and essential materials to a variety of shelters, while also providing volunteers to offer hands-on assistance. The committee is committed to finding forever homes for shelter dogs and proactively promotes adoptable dogs on their social sites to ensure they receive the attention they deserve and the opportunity to be adopted by loving families.”

 A Special Event for a Special Cause

At the event, Lily Paws had the chance to engage directly with the hardworking Saginaw shelter team, sharing their mission of giving every dog a shot at a loving home. To support this effort, the committee lovingly presented much-needed supplies, including dog food and other items, to the shelter.

Making a Difference One Donation at a Time

These contributions were warmly received by the shelter, which helps dogs in their care find that perfect “forever home.”

Source: The Trucker

Source: Lily

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This effort is part of WAA’s larger mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” dedicating time and resources year-round to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

Driving with Purpose

Jane Good, one of JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet drivers, has been a part of this initiative for three years. Her personal connection to the mission gives her work profound meaning.

“It is a blessing to honor my late husband Eugene and other fallen veterans in this way. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten,” shared Good. “I’m grateful JT Logistics prioritizes resources for transporting these special wreaths for our community to remember our veterans, while our staff ensures that our clients make the holiday season memorable for their customers by providing efficient, timely warehousing and fulfillment services during peak season.”

JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet isn’t working alone. This year, over 700 trucks will transport wreaths to more than 4,000 locations across all 50 states and internationally. With the help of 3 million volunteers, National Wreaths Across America Day will once again unite communities in gratitude and remembrance.

A Personal Tribute

For JT Logistics driver Edward Dolsen, Jr., this mission is personal. Dolsen reflected on his experience, saying, “It is an honor to be able to serve my fallen brothers and sisters in arms by bringing the wreaths to be placed on their graves. The Iowa Veteran Cemetery holds a special place in my heart because that’s where my best friend is buried. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten.”

Both Good and Dolsen exemplify the dedication of those involved in this national initiative, reminding us of the importance of remembering the sacrifices veterans have made.

A Company-wide Commitment

JT Logistics’ involvement with Wreaths Across America is one of many ways the company demonstrates its commitment to community service. According to President and CEO Jamie Cord, “Our sponsorship of Wreaths Across America allows us to honor Iowa’s fallen soldiers and their families. Transporting wreaths from the nonprofit’s headquarters in Maine to our state’s cemeteries enables communities to remember veterans and reflect on the value of freedom. National Wreaths Across America Day gives our team and nation the opportunity to briefly pause from our busy schedules during the holiday season to reflect on the true spirit of giving.”

Wreaths Across America – How You Can Get Involved

For more information about year-round Wreaths Across America initiatives, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Source: The Trucker

Image: JT Logistics

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This initiative is aligned with Project Zero, a collaborative effort across the state created and led by the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family. The primary goal is to shed light on children eagerly awaiting adoption, as highlighted in a recent press release.

Throughout the previous weeks, both individuals and businesses graciously took on the responsibility of fulfilling the wish lists of children in foster care.

On Dec. 1, at the enchanting “North Pole” hosted by EngageMed in North Little Rock, Ark., a team of dedicated community volunteers gathered to meticulously organize, categorize, and load the generously donated gifts onto awaiting trucks. These gifts were destined for Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, scheduled to arrive on Dec. 2, marking the culmination of the heartwarming “Candyland Christmas” event.

“Candyland Christmas” stands as Project Zero’s cherished annual affair, orchestrating a festive gift-giving experience that gathers foster children and teens at a central location. Here, their holiday wish lists are brought to life, creating a magical and memorable Christmas for those who need and deserve it the most.

“Everyone deserves holiday magic, and truck drivers are proud to be a part of delivering that to children and teens in every situation,” said Shannon Newton, Arkansas Trucking Association president and board member of Project Zero.

Source: The Trucker

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Toy Drives on the Highway:

One of the ways truck drivers make a difference is by participating in or organizing toy drives. These initiatives collect gifts for children in need, ensuring that the magic of the holidays reaches every corner of the community. The sight of a convoy of trucks delivering toys is not only heartening but also showcases the generosity of the trucking community.

Spreading Cheer at Truck Stops:

Truck stops become temporary homes for many drivers during the holidays. Some drivers take it upon themselves to volunteer at truck stops’ holiday events or meals, fostering a sense of community on the road. Whether it’s organizing festive gatherings or providing a helping hand, these efforts make the holiday season a little brighter for truckers away from home.

Adopt-A-Family Programs on the Move:

Adopt-a-family programs are not limited to stationary homes. Truck drivers contribute to these programs by providing gifts, groceries, and essentials to families in need, regardless of their location. The mobility of the trucking lifestyle doesn’t have to hinder the spirit of giving back.

Random Acts of Kindness Rolling Down the Highway:

Truckers perform random acts of kindness during their travels, proving that even small gestures can have a significant impact. Whether it’s buying a meal for a fellow trucker, helping someone in need, or spreading positivity at rest stops, these acts exemplify the true meaning of the season.

Community Fundraising Campaigns:

Initiating or participating in fundraising campaigns is another way truckers give back. By supporting specific causes or individuals facing hardships during the holidays, truck drivers amplify their impact and contribute to the greater good.

As we celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to appreciate the truck drivers on the road who go above and beyond to make a positive difference. Through toy drives, acts of kindness, and community initiatives, these individuals exemplify the spirit of giving, proving that, no matter where they are, the holidays are a time for generosity and goodwill.

The post Driving the Spirit of Giving: How Truck Drivers Make the Holidays Brighter on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In honor of GivingTuesday, KATC has made a substantial donation to 4KIDS, a non-profit organization dedicated to foster children. Additionally, funds have been allocated to provide toys for 4KIDS’ Gift of Hope Toy Store. These donations will be matched, doubling their impact.

In addition to the donations, Fleet Advantage associates have also participated in assembling gingerbread house kits as part of 4KIDS’ annual Gingerbread House Building Contest.

On December 12th, another group of Fleet Advantage associates will assist foster and adoptive parents in shopping for free toys at the Gift of Hope Toy Store.

The Kids Around The Corner Foundation is also collaborating with Junior Achievement of South Florida to educate students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

“KATC plans to make another significant donation with a check presentation scheduled for Dec. 13, and this will solidify its role as the non-profit’s South Palm Beach County Financial Literacy Sponsor,” according to the news release. “This sponsorship will help address the critical need for financial education in the region and the donation will facilitate the expansion of Junior Achievement of South Florida’s BizTown and Finance Park programs to public, private and charter schools in South Palm Beach County.”

Fleet Advantage’s support to Junior Achievement, in collaboration with schools, will break down barriers and provide crucial financial education and workforce skills to hundreds of students in the community. This includes overcoming challenges like transportation and per-student funding.

“After donating to and volunteering with 4KIDS and Junior Achievement of South Florida in the past, we are thrilled to support these two impactful organizations once again,” said Brian Holland, President and CEO of Fleet Advantage and director and treasurer of KATC. “These organizations align with our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of children and contribute to their education and well-being. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and through these partnerships, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.”

Fleet Advantage’s Kids Around The Corner Foundation has shown incredible generosity this year, making multiple donations to different organizations. They have formed partnerships with 17 new entities and have donated an impressive amount of over $200,000 in 2023 alone.

If you want to learn more about the foundation and the organizations they have worked with, click HERE.

Source: The Trucker

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