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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From October 4 to October 18, customers at any Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel center nationwide are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Every cent raised will go towards bolstering Red Cross efforts in the Southeast regions affected by the hurricane.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” expressed Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.”

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Pilot is prioritizing the safe and swift resumption of services to meet the needs of affected communities and emergency workers. As of now, all Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers are operational, including in severely affected locations. For current updates on store operations in these areas, please visit pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

Source: Truckers News

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TA customers can participate by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the additional amount going to help professional truck drivers who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The St. Christopher Fund also offers health and wellness guidance, free vaccines, and preventative cancer screenings.

“This organization is an invaluable safety net for professional drivers when they’re experiencing a difficult time in their life,” said Debi Boffa, TravelCenters of America CEO. “We are grateful to our generous guests who recognize the value SCF brings to these incredibly hard-working men and women during their time of need.”

Last year’s campaign raised $150,000, and TA has contributed over $3 million to the St. Christopher Fund through various initiatives over the years.

“We are so grateful for the support TravelCenters of America provides in helping our driver community,” said Donna Kennedy, Executive Director, SCF. “Our safety net is only as strong as our amazing partners and sponsors, and we have the best.”

Throughout June and July, TA’s website will feature stories of drivers who have been able to return to work thanks to the support from the St. Christopher Fund.

For more information about the St. Christopher Fund, click here.

At the 42nd annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs Truck Show at the Texas Motor Speedway, every vote cast in the People’s Choice Award will contribute to the St. Christopher Fund. Shell has pledged to donate $1 per online vote, up to a total of $5,000. Voting is open until 4 p.m. Central on May 31.

Source: Land Line

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“At ATG, giving back to our communities by helping to fight hunger and food insecurity is one of our top priorities,” said Kevin G. Holmes, ATG’s president and CEO. “We are grateful for the continued support our employees, customers, and business partners have for Haulin’ 4 Hunger and their commitment to help meet the increased demand our food pantries are facing during the holidays and throughout the year.”

On Dec. 15, ATG, alongside its dedicated Haulin’ 4 Hunger team, will lead two truck caravans from the Shrewsbury, Mass. dealership. Their mission: hand-deliver 4,200 meals, complete with fresh turkey and all the trimmings, to seven organizations offering food pantries and essential services. These contributions will be directed to communities in Worcester and other areas in Central Massachusetts, benefiting organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Friendly House, Jeremiah’s Inn, Marlborough Community Cupboard, South Worcester Neighborhood Center, St. Anne’s Human Services, and Veterans Inc.

ATG’s commitment doesn’t end there; the company will distribute thousands of nonperishable meals as part of its fourth quarter Haulin’ 4 Hunger donations. These contributions will reach six hunger relief organizations near other ATG dealerships in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Throughout December, ATG employees will deliver nonperishable meals, including canned chicken, ramen noodles, and canned peas, to LISTEN Food Pantry, New Hampshire Food Bank, Our Community Table, Our Place Drop-In Center, Raynham Food Basket, and Seabrook Food Pantry.

“The holidays are especially difficult for those struggling to put food on their table. Organizations we support are serving more people now than during the pandemic, with some seeing visits to their pantries this holiday season more than double compared to last year,” said Sarah Harrington, ATG’s integrated marketing manager and leader of the Haulin’ 4 Hunger program.

ATG attributes the success and expansion of Haulin’ 4 Hunger to the ongoing support from valued partners such as Dennis K. Burke, G. Lopes Construction, SelecTrucks of New England, Worcester Railers HC, and UniBank. This collaborative effort has enabled the program to increase donations to hunger relief organizations in every region where ATG operates. Since its initiation in 2012, Haulin’ 4 Hunger has been a beacon of generosity, contributing to the provision of over 34,000 meals for those in need.

For those interested in learning more about ATG’s Haulin’ 4 Hunger program and its impactful initiatives, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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