More than a decade in existence now, the nonprofit and driver-led Truckers Christmas Group (TGCO), an organization that raises funds to help professional CDL drivers and their families in the United States and Canada, is full speed ahead on its 12th annual holiday fund-raising campaign. TCGO will begin advertising for this year’s campaign on November 18, and the chance to nominate a deserving family will open beginning Nov. 21, with the nomination period closing December 11. Families chosen will be notified by TGCO’s very own Santa Claus Dec. 16-17, 2019.
(To nominate a driver and his/her family when the submission period opens, visit the organization’s website. All nominations are made anonymously, and open to professional CDL drivers living in the United States and Canada.)
Created in 2008, TGCO supports CDL drivers and their families during the holiday season by raising funds requested through aid applications and nominations. In 2018, the organization saw record numbers of applications and delivered $8,000 to 16 families during the Christmas season. Since its inception, TGCO has raised more than $90,000 and helped 154 trucking families ease the financial burdens associated with the holiday season.
Given a spate of fleet bankruptcies this year, the Christmas season could be particularly difficult for many. Anticipating another record year of applications, the group seeks donations from those willing and able for families in need, and not just from unemployment — illness and other catastrophic events can make a family’s holiday season more stressful.
“We haven’t even opened the application process yet, and already we’ve received recommendations for multiple families that would significantly benefit from TGCO’s efforts,” said Mark Abraham, organization president. “This year has been incredibly difficult for the drivers in our community, and the donation of goods and funds will help us make sure each and every driver in our trucking family can support their families during the holiday season.”
Along with monetary donations made on the TGCO website, donors can purchase items donated to the TGCO’s online Christmas store, which opens Nov. 21. Items sold in store are provided by businesses and individuals, and new items will be listed regularly once the store opens. Donors can also give their time by helping TGCO vet candidates, solicit nominations and raise awareness of the organization’s mission this season and in years to come. New volunteer recruitment begins Nov. 1 on TGCO’s Facebook page in coordination with media partners.
