GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is preparing to launch the 10th Truckers for Troops care package campaign scheduled for the week of November 5-9.
The fund-raising effort is an OOIDA tradition since 2007, sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops will also help a variety of veteran’s facilities here in the U.S., 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 percent of that money going toward care packages.
OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar. 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.
Participants can also visit Jon Osburn at The Spirit of the American Trucker touring trailer during the campaign and sign up or renew a membership.
During the past 11 years, the Truckers for Troops effort has raised more than $500,000, allowing the Truckers for Troops to send care packages to more than 36,000 military personnel.
To contribute or join or renew, just call OOIDA’s main number, (800) 444-5791. Phones will be answered by operators, and the switchboards will stay open later than usual until 7:30 p.m. CST.
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 U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date. We are also looking for veteran facilities with unmet needs.
Cards and letters can be sent with the following address:
Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. 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 in January or February 2019 and veterans packages are done throughout the year.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the only national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The association currently has more than 160,000 members nationwide.
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