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.

Launched in 2007 by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the program has raised more than $800,000 through donations from professional drivers. That funding goes toward veterans organizations and care packages for military personnel stationed overseas.

One of the main beneficiaries is the Veterans Community Project (VCP), a Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit focused on ending veteran homelessness. VCP’s model provides small homes and one-on-one wraparound services to help veterans rebuild long-term stability.

On Sept. 25, representatives from Truckers For Troops traveled to the VCP Village in Longmont, Colorado. They delivered 250 backpacks — half filled with work-related items and half stocked with winter gear — along with a $10,000 donation.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh handled the presentation and made sure members received the credit they’re due.

“Their generous donations are what make this happen,” Pugh said. “Truckers are always willing to answer the call.”

This Colorado delivery continues a string of recent support. In 2024, Truckers For Troops also visited VCP sites in Sioux Falls, S.D., and St. Louis, providing $10,000 at each location and backpacks packed with everyday essentials.

Pugh says seeing the impact firsthand never gets old.

“It is always such a wonderful experience to visit any VCP location,” he said. “The staff is always so happy and excited to receive us and is so dedicated to the mission. I wish everyone could see and experience what the VCP really does.”

OOIDA’s director of public relations, Norita Taylor, highlighted how meaningful the most recent visit felt.

“There were a couple of residents who chose to join us on our tour of the facility. One of them gifted us a walking stick he made by hand from a branch he found while hiking nearby,” Taylor said. “We always learn a great deal on these trips and look forward to watching the VCP grow in their locations.”

Truckers For Troops continues to focus on real, practical support — the kind that reaches veterans directly and shows them they’re not forgotten.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truck Drivers Step Up Again to Support Veterans in Need 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.

This yearly contribution from Truckers For Troops includes both a monetary donation and household goods for VCP’s tiny house community in Kansas City. This ongoing partnership has been a meaningful tradition for several years, providing essential support during the holiday season.

Speaking at the event, OOIDA President Todd Spencer emphasized the importance of these contributions. “They (VCP) provide a very needed and worthwhile service,” Spencer said. “It’s a service that we’re glad to support.”

This year, the generosity of OOIDA members extended beyond Kansas City. Truckers For Troops also made donations to new VCP communities in St. Louis and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the nonprofit organization continues to grow its reach across the United States.

“Our members want to show support in any way they can, and we’re always looking to do more,” shared Norita Taylor, OOIDA’s Director of Public Relations, during the VCP-St. Louis event in July.

At the Sioux Falls location in October, VCP staff highlighted just how impactful the donation had been for their mission and the vital services they provide to homeless and at-risk veterans.

Outside of these contributions, Veterans Community Project operates additional communities in Glendale, Arizona; Longmont, Colorado; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OOIDA’s Truckers For Troops campaign this year once again offered a special membership deal to encourage participation. New and renewing members could join OOIDA for $35 per year, with no limits on the number of years they could sign up at the discounted price. Ten percent of all membership payments during the campaign were allocated to Truckers For Troops, directly benefiting their ongoing efforts.

Since its inception in 2007, the Truckers For Troops initiative has raised over $800,000 for military personnel and veteran-focused organizations.

To learn more about how to join OOIDA’s impactful fundraiser, visit the Trucker For Troops Website.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers For Troops Makes Annual Contribution to Veterans Community Project appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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 troops@ooida.com, 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

The post Supporting Our Troops for 18 Years with Truckers for Troops appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On October 9, OOIDA’s Truckers For Troops initiative presented a generous $10,000 donation to the Veterans Community Project (VCP) in Sioux Falls, S.D. The check was handed over by OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh.

Established in Kansas City, Mo., in 2016 by four combat veterans, VCP aims to eradicate veteran homelessness. Their mission is to offer “a home of their own and individualized, wraparound support services that not only help get them back on their feet but ensure they continue standing.”

VCP achieves this through its communities of tiny homes spread across the nation. Besides their Sioux Falls and Kansas City locations, they have similar communities in Glendale, Ariz., Longmont, Colo., St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Oklahoma City.

VCP’s broad definition of a veteran as “anyone who raised a right hand and took the oath to protect our Constitution, regardless of discharge status or type of service” disqualifies it from federal funding. Hence, they rely heavily on private donations to sustain their endeavors.

John Holter, VCP South Dakota’s executive director, expressed profound gratitude for OOIDA’s contribution, noting, “We’re the little guy trying to make a difference with the homeless veterans.” He emphasized the significance of the donation, particularly because it originates from “the individual business owner or that single trucker that’s out there working their butt off.”

In addition to the financial support, the organization received 125 backpacks filled with hygiene essentials to distribute among Sioux Falls veterans. Craig Sanchez, a residential case manager for VCP South Dakota, remarked on the psychological comfort these backpacks provide, stating, “Having a backpack, from what I’ve been told, the weight on the shoulders actually helps ease the mind.”

Since its inception in 2007, Truckers For Troops has been fundraising for various veteran-related causes and sending care packages to active-duty military personnel overseas. OOIDA members have collectively raised over $800,000 to date, continuing their commitment to supporting veterans.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers For Troops Donates $10,000 to Support Veterans 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.

Effective Monday, Nov. 6, new and renewed OOIDA memberships will be available at a discounted rate of $35 for one year. Furthermore, the Association is marking its 50th anniversary with a special offer: a two-year extended member subscription at just $50 or four years at $100. Members are free to select the number of years they’d like to join or renew at the reduced rate, with 10% of the total going to Truckers for Troops.

In a remarkable display of commitment, OOIDA has pledged to match these funds dollar-for-dollar, and individual tax-deductible contributions are welcomed.

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

Approximately $800,000 has been donated by OOIDA members since the start of Truckers for Troops. These funds have supported veterans and veteran organizations, dispatching over 3,250 care packages to nearly 40,000 military service members. The Association has also extended its assistance to 65 facilities that cater to wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

Supporting Truckers for Troops is as simple as dialing 816-229-5791 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT on weekdays or visiting www.OOIDA.com and choosing “Become a Member” to join or renew.

Among the recipients of Truckers for Troops’ donations is the Veterans Community Project (VCP), a Kansas City-based organization dedicated to “serving those who served us.” This nonprofit aids former military personnel through various means, including its Veteran Outreach Center, which offers an array of services, including assistance with navigating VA benefits, identification services, referrals for mental and physical health support, financial counseling, access to hygiene kits, and a food pantry during the organization’s commissary day.

In addition to the Outreach Center, VCP’s community of tiny homes provides homeless veterans an opportunity to escape life on the streets. The program boasts a remarkable 60% success rate in transitioning veterans from homelessness to permanent housing, significantly exceeding the average of other housing programs.

Following the success of VCP’s Kansas City site, the program is expanding to campuses in Sioux Falls, S.D.; Longmont, Colo.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Oklahoma City; and St. Louis, with the goal of establishing a community in every state.

Source: Land Line

The post OOIDA 2023 Truckers for Troops is Set on Changing Lives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.