The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will launch its ninth Truckers for Troops care package campaign Nov. 9-13.
OOIDA has been leading Truckers for Troops since 2007 and has a head start for this year with a $2,000 donation from Shell Rotella. Truckers for Troops raises money to pack and send care packages to military personnel stationed in combat zones.
This year, Truckers for Troops will also help a variety of veteran’s facilities in the United States, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.
During Truckers for Troops 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. Only memberships collected through the start of business Monday, Nov. 16, will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund.
Since the program began seven years ago, it has raised more than $461,000, allowing OOIDA to send more than 3,000 care packages to nearly 36,000 military personnel.
OOIDA is also seeking addresses for sending packages and accepting personal cards or letters to include inside the packages. 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]. Be sure to include projected stateside return dates.
“We like getting handmade cards or letters from a variety of groups and individuals to include in the packages,” said Norita Taylor, OOIDA director of public relations. “A personal note or card adds warmth to what we send.”
Cards and letters can be sent to P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029, Attention: Truckers for Troops. Towns or school names can be included, but do not include last names or other personal information.
Packages go out after the holidays in January or February 2016, so Christmas or holiday cards aren’t necessary.