The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is getting ready to launch the tenth Truckers for Troops care package campaign, scheduled for the week of November 7-11.
The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007 and has a head start with a generous donation of $2,000 from Shell Rotella. Truckers for Troops raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones.
Truckers for Troops will also help a variety of veteran’s facilities here in the United States, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.
During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s “Land Line Now” satellite radio show on Sirius XM 146. During that week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $35, with 10% of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar. Only memberships collected through the start of business November 14 will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
During the past nine years, the Truckers for Troops effort has raised more than $524,000, allowing the association to send care packages to nearly 45,000 military personnel.
The association is also currently seeking addresses for sending packages and accepting personal cards or letters to include inside the packages.
“We like getting handmade cards or letters from a variety of groups and individuals to include in the packages,” said Norita Taylor, OOIDA director of public relations. “A personal note or card adds warmth to what we send.”
Anyone who has a family member or friend serving in a combat zone with the US military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected]. Be sure to include projected stateside return date. OOIDA also is looking for veteran facilities with unmet needs.
Attention: Truckers for Troops, PO Box 1000, Grain Valley MO 64029. 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. Packages go out after the holidays in January or February 2017.