Additionally, this campaign is intended to help the organization “grant wishes” to terminally ill children of truck drivers. The “Sleigh Bells and Santa” tab on the organization’s website details the scope, enrollment and policies related to the campaign. Those wishing to donate can find more information via this link.
The organzation is perhaps unique among charitable organizations serving truckers in need in that the nonprofit does not offer cash assistance directly. All payments made go to assisting vendors only on behalf of the driver. The organization operates by tax deductible donations made through several available options, including sponsors wishing to establish personal memorials on the org’s website.
It offers services through five charitable programs.
1) In the case of loss of life of a driver, regardless of cause or fault, the organization will provide travel for the driver’s next of kin as described in organization policies.
2) This program and No. 3 below will offer the same travel opportunities as outlined in org policies and in Program 1, less the transportation of remains. Program 2 is designated for severe injury of a driver. Any severe work-related injury requiring hospital admission may qualify.
3) This program was established for any sudden onset medical episode, such as but not limited to: heart attack, stroke, rupture or other event requiring immediate surgery and/or hospital admission.
4) Should any of the above events occur to any immediate family member of a trucker out on the road away from home, the organization will provide immediate travel home to deal with these issues as well as return travel to the truck. Assistance in such a case would exclude storage for the truck, trailer and/or load.
5) Beginning next year, the organization plans to offer assistance to truckers and their families in mobility and accessibility in their home after an injury that results in permanent life alteration and career’s end. Modifications to a driver’s home will include wheel chair ramps, ADA bathroom upgrades, hall and doorway widening, lift mechanisms and more as determined by individual driver needs. The current goal is to upgrade one driver’s home each month in 2016.
Two additional programs are in development, founding member and driver Robert Palm says.
Find more about the organization via its website and/or at its Facebook page.
