The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is getting ready to launch the seventh Truckers for Troops care package campaign, scheduled for the week of Dec. 9-13. The fundraising effort is an OOIDA tradition since 2007 and has a head start with a generous donation of $5,000 from Shell Rotella. Truckers for Troops raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones.
The Association wants members to know that it is currently seeking addresses for sending packages.
“We have a list started, thanks to input from our members,” said Norita Taylor, Media Spokesperson for OOIDA. “But we have room for more addresses.”
During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s Land Line Now satellite radio show on Sirius XM 128. During that week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $25, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages for U.S. troops stationed in combat areas overseas. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar. The special $25 membership price will remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2014. Only memberships during the campaign dates will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Anyone who has a family member or friend serving in a war 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].
Taylor says that while socks and snacks top the list of most troops’ care packages, cards and letters from home are what make them truly special. “We are also asking for kids and adults around the country to help with this important part of a yearly tradition by sending us letters and cards to include in the care packages.”
ADDRESS to send cards and letters: Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029.
Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme and not necessarily Christmas. Packages will likely go out after the holidays in January or February.
