Organizers of the Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy are looking for a new venue after learning that Manheim Auto Auction in Pennsylvania will no longer host outside events because of changes to its business model and security requirements. The annual convoy has been held at the facility since 2020.

The search comes as organizers work to ensure the event can continue raising money for children with critical illnesses while preserving a tradition that has become a fixture in the trucking community.

A Tradition That Spans More Than Three Decades

The Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy began in 1990 and has raised more than $10 million to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The event originally operated from the Burle Business Park in Lancaster before relocating to Manheim Auto Auction in 2020. Since then, hundreds of truck drivers have gathered each year to participate, with recent convoys drawing around 400 trucks despite reduced participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, the convoy remains one of the chapter’s signature fundraising events.

Organizers Hope to Find a Long-Term Location

Rather than securing a temporary solution, Make-A-Wish says it’s looking for a venue capable of supporting the event for years to come.

The organization has spent the past several months evaluating potential sites throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties but has yet to identify a location that meets the event’s operational requirements.

Those requirements extend beyond parking space. Organizers need a site that can safely accommodate dozens of tractor-trailers, provide efficient entrances and exits for commercial vehicles, offer adequate space for volunteers, wish families and spectators, and connect to a roadway suitable for the convoy route.

Event Could Operate with a Smaller Footprint

Previous convoys have welcomed between 400 and 600 trucks, but organizers say the next location doesn’t necessarily need to match that capacity.

Current planning calls for space to stage approximately 75 to 125 tractor-trailers, allowing the event to continue while expanding if a suitable long-term venue becomes available.

Make-A-Wish officials told local media their priority is finding a location that allows the convoy to continue safely rather than simply matching attendance from previous years.

Trucking Community Invited to Help

Make-A-Wish is encouraging businesses, property owners and community members who may know of a suitable location to come forward with suggestions.

Potential sites should be able to safely handle commercial truck traffic while accommodating event participants, volunteers and families throughout the day. Anyone with venue recommendations can contact the organization directly at convoy@philadesv.wish.org.

A Cause That Continues to Unite the Industry

The Mother’s Day Truck Convoy has become more than a truck parade over the past 36 years. It has grown into one of the trucking industry’s best-known charitable traditions, bringing together professional drivers, carriers, sponsors and local communities in support of children facing critical illnesses.

While organizers continue searching for a new home, they remain committed to preserving an event that has generated millions of dollars for Make-A-Wish and has become an annual highlight for hundreds of truck drivers across the region.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 18, 2026

Source: Lancaster Online

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That turnout is not just a number. It directly connects to how much funding the event generates each year.

How the event funds are used

The convoy serves as the primary fundraising source for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley. About 75 percent of the wishes granted each year are tied to this single event, which keeps participation and fundraising closely linked.

Organizers have set a $575,000 goal for 2026. Hitting that mark depends on both driver turnout and fundraising leading into the convoy.

“The funds raised through the Convoy are essential to making wishes come true for children with critical illnesses in the Susquehanna Valley,” Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley said. “Your participation not only supports an inspiring community tradition but also plays a crucial role in bringing hope, strength, and joy to local children.”

Participation requirements and registration

With that in mind, the event remains open to a wide range of drivers. The convoy runs the day before Mother’s Day, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds are eligible. Drivers can register in advance online here or wait until the day of the event.

Route and safety updates for 2026

As participation continues to grow, organizers have introduced a new route for 2026. The change is intended to improve safety for drivers, wish families, and the surrounding community while also reducing the impact on traffic.

Industry presence at the event

In addition to driver turnout, industry support will also be visible on site. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will be present, with Marty Ellis attending alongside the Association’s tour truck, The Spirit of the American Trucker.

Why drivers participate

Taken together, these elements show why the convoy continues to draw consistent participation. The connection is direct. Driver involvement supports funding for wishes in the same region where the event takes place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the convoy?
It serves as the primary fundraising source for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley.

How much is the event aiming to raise in 2026?
$575,000.

Who can participate?
Drivers operating trucks with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds.

Can drivers still register close to the event?
Yes. Registration remains open through the day of the convoy.

What impacts how much is raised each year?
Driver turnout and fundraising before the event.

The Mother’s Day Truck Convoy continues to connect driver participation with measurable support for children and families across the region.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

Image Source: Wish.org

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The recently concluded 2023 event held at the Ripley County Fairgrounds in Osgood, Ind. saw a whopping 48 trucks participating. Together, they raised over $53,000 for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

This awesome achievement was driven by the personal experience of Alfred Sellers, the president of the Southern Indiana Truck Convoy. He shares how his daughter’s wish was granted in the late 1990s, fueling his determination to give back to an organization that holds a special place in his heart.

“Make-A-Wish has put thousands of smiles on the faces of many children and helped families forget their worries for a time,” Sellers reportedly said in an interview with Land Line.

The generous donation was partly a result of an intense competition between Crum Trucking and Baylor Trucking for the lead truck spot. In the end, Baylor Trucking emerged victorious in this significant bidding war with a significant donation being the result.

“It’s just an extremely worthy charity,” Brandon White, operations manager with Baylor Trucking, said. “There’s been multiple people that have been touched by that charity that we’ve known over the years, and it’s just a really good cause to participate in.”

Baylor Trucking showed strong support at the event by bringing a total of 11 trucks. They had 10 trucks in the convoy and an additional one at the Touch-A-Truck section. This impressive display of support aligns perfectly with Baylor Trucking’s vision.

“A lot of the people that were there are professional drivers that have been with us for a while and they know that it’s in our core values to do everything we can to give back,” White said. “I think everybody was extremely happy to be there. All the professional drivers were extremely proud to donate their time to be there in the morning and be a part of it.”

In addition to raising funds for a great cause, the drivers and companies below were honored with trophies for their valuable contributions to the convoy:

• Oldest truck – Baylor Trucking – 1963 C/O Freightliner
• Oldest working truck – Josh Caseltine, S&S Excavation – 1993 C/O Peterbilt
• Driver who traveled farthest to participate – Jerry Flincham of Fontana, CA., Baylor Trucking – 2,086 miles
• Most trucks from one company – Baylor Trucking, 11
• Drivers’ choice – Eduardo Andrade, Baylor Trucking

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana has fulfilled a remarkable number of wishes this year, according to Katie Ferrell, the director of marketing and communications; however, there are still a significant number of wishes waiting to be granted.

“We’re filled with gratitude to have the support of truckers. They’re changing lives and giving local children and their families hope,” Ferrell told Land Line. “Now more than ever, the world needs the hope of a wish! We can’t grant wishes without generous people like them.”

As far as goals for next year’s convoy, Sellers says he and his team “would just like to build on what we have going, being able to help a great cause and have fun while doing it.”

Source: Land Line

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Open to all types of trucks, registration for this event is now open, with a participation fee of $50 per truck. But that’s not all – you can even bid for your truck to drive in prime positions within the convoy! First, second, third or caboose positions are all up for auction, and the winners will get to display a special banner on their trucks during the event. Plus, the winner of the first prize will receive extensive publicity on the convoy website, flyers and Facebook page.

Last year’s event was a huge success, raising $17,000 for Make-A-Wish. But this year, we aim to surpass that target, and it’s all down to you, truckers! Alfred Sellers, the convoy president, is urging all truckers to join in to help beat their previous record.

“The drivers are by far the most important part of the convoy,” Sellers said in a comment to Land Line. “Without them, there is no convoy, there’s nothing for people to sponsor. Drivers are the heart of our convoy!”

Trophies will be awarded to drivers in the following categories, adding excitement to your experience and making your participation even more rewarding.

• Oldest truck
• Oldest working truck
• Driver who traveled farthest to participate
• Most trucks from one company
• Drivers’ choice

The inaugural event drew 52 trucks, but the goal is to exceed that number with at least 75 trucks for the 27-mile route through Southern Indiana. On top of the convoy, enjoy live music, delicious food from food trucks, and a silent auction. Bring the kids for free entertainment such as games, bubbles, face-painting, and a touch-a-truck experience.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana’s director of marketing and communications, Katie Ferrell, attests that events like this convoy make a significant impact in turning wishes into reality.

“Right now, more than 60 children with critical illnesses in southern Indiana are waiting for their life-changing wishes to come true,” Ferrell told Land Line. “That’s why events like the Southern Indiana Truck Convoy are so important. All the money we raise helps us make a difference for children and families right here in our community. We’re so grateful for the support!”

To learn more, donate to the event, or register your truck check out their site HERE.

Source: Land Line

The post The Southern Indiana Truck Convoy Helps Make Wishes Come True appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“We are excited to return to Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction for the convoy and family carnival,” said Jennifer Davis, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley Chapter, said in a statement. “We are counting on the local community, especially truck drivers, to make the convoy a success.”

The annual fundraiser is an integral part of granting children their treasured dreams with over 75% of requests fulfilled through donations. With hopes running high this year aiming for $700,000 – local drivers will be revving their engines and making all the difference.

Terry Finch, chairperson of the convoy committee and wife to a trucker, brings a unique understanding of the strong bond among drivers in this industry. She describes their yearly event as something that is highly anticipated by all participants – an opportunity for them to come together and enjoy what they do best: drive!

“Truck drivers really are so very generous,” Finch said in an interview with Land Line. “This is a big event for them, but it’s a way for them to show their support for children in our community.

The annual Convoy Carnival starts at 9 a.m., featuring games, tasty treats, live music and colorful costumed characters to set the festive mood. Then it gets even better – four local wish kids will have special roles as “Convoy Coaches” at 1:30 p.m., signaling with their horns for all of the trucks on route to rev up and get going!

Every wish kid in attendance gets the opportunity to ride in a truck. Many drivers have enjoyed lasting relationships with their rider, often driving the same wish kid for a number of years.

While the convoy’s record is 613 participating trucks, last year saw just under 250 trucks at the event. Organizers are anticipating a higher number this year. With 200 already registered, they expect to see around 350-400 trucks in 2023.

Drivers in the convoy have gone above and beyond to raise funds for Make-A-Wish, making dreams come true. The thirty highest fundraisers take the leading position of honor and drive at the front of this special convoy as they strive to make dreams come true! According to organizer Finch, these devoted individuals are incredibly proud to be part of such a meaningful cause.

“All of them will tell you they’re not necessarily vying for position, they’re just trying to raise as much as they can for the cause,” Finch said.

Items in the online auction will be available for bidding starting on May 10, and continuing through May 15. To register to be a driver, make a donation, or find additional information about the event visit WishConvoy.org.

Source: Land Line

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