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

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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

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