Truckers for Troops 14 Annual Campaign Launches During Veterans Day Week

This year, the program will also benefit the Veterans Community Project which provides housing for homeless veterans

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is getting ready to launch its annual Truckers for Troops^® care package campaign. This year’s event is scheduled for the week of Nov. 9-16, 2020, which is the same week as Veterans Day.

The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops also helps a variety of veteran’s facilities in the U.S., including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.

Beginning this year, the program will also benefit the Veterans Community Project which provides housing for homeless veterans through a community of “tiny houses.” VCP also provides comprehensive services such as navigating the Veterans Administration and its benefits, identification services, mental and physical health referrals and financial counseling. In addition, veterans can receive hygiene kits and access to a food pantry. All services are free of charge.

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. You can also visit Jon Osburn at The Spirit of the American Trucker touring trailer during the campaign and sign up or renew your membership.

Also that week, Lewie Pugh, OOIDA’s executive vice president, will be on the OOIDA switchboard taking your calls Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m.

During the past 13 years, the Truckers for Troops effort has raised more than $667,500, allowing the OOIDA to send care packages to more than 39,000 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 until 7:30 p.m. CST.

Participation in the campaign isn’t limited just to truckers. The “Pet Challenge” allows anyone to sponsor the entire cost of a care package – $225 – in the name of their favorite pet or traveling companion. Jon Osburn, skipper of OOIDA’s Spirit of the American Trucker touring truck, has traditionally submitted a pledge on behalf of Sassi, his canine co-pilot. Mr. Pugh met the challenge last year and sponsored two packages on behalf of his dog, Bandit.

The Association is also currently seeking addresses for sending packages and is also accepting personal cards or letters to include inside the packages.
 
“We know that package recipients enjoy seeing handmade cards or letters from a variety of groups and individuals,” said Norita Taylor, OOIDA director of public relations. “A personal note or card adds that special warmth to what we send.”


PACKAGE ADDRESSES
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
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 2020 and veterans packages are done throughout the year.

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