The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge sends riders thousands of miles across America’s backroads using GPS coordinates rather than traditional navigation. Participants travel about 500 miles each day, camp alongside their motorcycles, and must reach every required checkpoint during the 12- to 14-day event.

Darling said his decision to support SCF comes from decades spent in the trucking industry, where he has seen how quickly a medical emergency can take a driver off the road. He said the organization’s mission allows drivers to focus on recovery rather than immediate financial pressures.

A Lifetime on the Road Leads to a New Challenge

Darling’s passion for motorcycling began while serving in the U.S. Navy during the early 1970s, and he and his wife, Doreen, have ridden more than 122,000 miles throughout the United States and Canada. Although he has decades of riding experience, this year’s event marks his first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

Diane Hutsell, Interim Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, said Darling’s participation reflects the commitment shared by many professional drivers and will help raise additional awareness of the organization’s work supporting truck drivers during medical crises.

Supporting Drivers During Medical Hardship

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to providing short-term financial assistance to Class A over-the-road drivers who have been unable to work because of an illness or injury within the previous year. The organization also provides free health and wellness programs, including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings and vaccine vouchers.

Supporters interested in contributing to Darling’s fundraising campaign can do so here.

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 6, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Truckers News, Allen Darling

The post Truck Driver Takes on Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to Benefit St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Helping Those Who Serve 

Truckers have a long history of giving back, and Truckers for Troops continues that tradition. OOIDA explains, “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 veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.” 

The campaign focuses on sending care packages to troops overseas and providing assistance to veteran support facilities across the country. 

How Drivers Can Participate 

Truck drivers can get involved by joining or renewing their OOIDA membership for one year at $35. Ten percent of this fee goes directly toward care packages, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. 

Participation options include: 

• By Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and you will be connected to Membership. 

• Online: Click “Become a Member” on the OOIDA website to join or renew after hours. 

• Mail: Indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation Only” on your payment and specify “TROOPS.” Send donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation. 

Campaign Impact Over the Years 

Truckers have made a lasting difference. OOIDA reports, “Over the past 18 years, OOIDA has raised more than 800,000 dollars and sent more than 3,288 care packages, serving more than 39,400 members of the military. The organization has 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, S.D., Longmont, Co., St. Louis, Mo., and anticipate expanding to Oklahoma City, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Glendale, Ariz.” 

Veterans Community Project Spotlight 

Truckers supporting this campaign are also helping the Veterans Community Project, which provides veterans transitioning out of homelessness with tiny homes and access to community centers. OOIDA says, “This invaluable project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with ‘tiny homes’ filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.” 

Sending Care Packages 

Drivers with a family member or friend serving in the U.S. military can request a care package by sending the name and complete mailing address to troops@ooida.com. Include the projected stateside return date. 

Letters and cards showing appreciation can be mailed to:
Attention: Truckers for Troops
P.O. Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029 

OOIDA notes, “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.” 

For more information or to get involved, visit the Truckers for Troops website. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: OOIDA

The post Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Tradition of Giving Back

Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become a meaningful tradition in the OOIDA community. Aimed initially at sending care packages to service members in combat zones, the program’s reach has grown to include assistance for various veteran facilities that support wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

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

Incredible Milestones Over the Years

Thanks to the generosity of truckers and supporters, the program has achieved remarkable results in its 17 years:

• Over $800,000 raised to benefit service members and veterans.
• 3,278+ care packages sent to military members overseas.
• Impacted the lives of 39,276 military personnel
• Provided aid to 65 facilities dedicated to caring for veterans who are wounded, disabled, or homeless.

How You Can Get Involved

During the campaign week, anyone can take part by joining or renewing their membership with OOIDA for just $35. Here’s how your contribution helps:

• 10% of membership fees will go towards creating care packages.
• OOIDA matches the contribution dollar for dollar, doubling the impact.

Ways to Participate:

1. By Phone: Call 816-229-5791, mention “Truckers for Troops,” and ask to be connected to Membership.
2. Online: Visit the official OOIDA website and click “Become a Member” to join or renew.
3. By Mail: Specify “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” with “TROOPS” written on your payment. Mail donation checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

For direct donations or more information, check out the Truckers for Troops page. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible as OOIDA operates under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.

Sending Care Packages

Do you know a service member in the U.S. military who would love to receive a care package?

You can send their name, complete address, and projected stateside return date to troops@ooida.com to ensure they receive a thoughtful package filled with appreciation.

Share Words of Encouragement

You can also brighten a deployed service member’s day by sending cards or letters!

Address your messages to:

Attention: Truckers for Troops

P.O. Box 1000

Grain Valley, MO 64029

While including towns or school names is encouraged, be sure not to include personal details such as last names.

Partnering with Wreaths Across America

Truckers for Troops also supports Wreaths Across America, an effort to honor fallen heroes by placing wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

Here’s how you can help:

• Each wreath sponsorship is $17.
• For every wreath sponsored, $5 is allocated to Truckers for Troops, furthering its mission to support troops and veterans.

If you want to sponsor a wreath, click here.

Honor Those Who Serve

Truckers for Troops embodies the trucking industry’s dedication to giving back to the community. Truckers and their supporters have created a meaningful campaign that stands the test of time by rallying together. Join in and be part of supporting those who serve and protect us every day.

Whether through a donation, membership renewal, or simply sending a card of gratitude, every contribution makes a difference.

Source: The Trucker

The post OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops Campaign Supporting Military Heroes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.