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

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This event brings together organizations devoted to helping veterans experiencing homelessness, celebrating groups making a difference across Massachusetts.

Dedicated to Ending Veteran Homelessness

“Lily is committed to helping end and prevent homelessness among veterans,” said Mike Stanton, COO of Lily Transportation. “And we are grateful to The Salvation Army for connecting us with the VA’s mission and their continued support of our partnership with them.”

This honor highlights Lily Transportation’s hands-on approach and lasting involvement with the VA and The Salvation Army. The company’s mission has always included supporting veterans, not only by offering financial backing but also through direct engagement in outreach programs.

Giving Back: Making a Difference in the Community

Lily’s approach goes far beyond writing checks. For instance, the Annual Turkey Drop is one of their projects, where Thanksgiving meals are delivered to families of veterans each year. This hands-on effort helps meet essential needs and strengthens the sense of community.

Image Source: Lily Transportation
Source: The Trucker

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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

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