Trucker-supported care package program seeking addresses

Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is acknowledging Military Appreciation Month with a Truckers for Troops^® campaign from May 6-19, 2024. This program focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home.

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

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE: Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000 dollars, sent more than 3,273 care packages, serving more than 39, 276 members of the military. We’ve also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently they have locations in Sioux Falls, SD, Longmont, CO, St. Louis, and other states.

HOW IT WORKS:

During the two-week campaign period, truckers can join or renew for $35, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar.  

Phone: During business hours, call 816-229-5791, mention Truckers for Troops, and get transferred to Membership.

Online: Visit www.OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.

Mail: If mailing in payments, indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” and specify “TROOPS” on your payment. Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

Donations only and more info found here: Truckers for Troops website. 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.

Spotlight on Veterans Community Project: This invaluable project boasts a 60 percent success rate transitioning veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with “tiny homes” filled with amenities. They also access a community center for support.

CARE PACKAGE ADDRESSES

Anyone who has a family member or friend serving 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.

CARDS AND LETTERS SHOWING APPRECIATION

Send to: 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..

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has approximately 150,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the Greater Kansas City, Mo., area.

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