(Grain Valley, Mo., Nov. 11, 2011) – While socks and snacks top the list of most troops’ care packages, cards and letters from home are what make them truly special. A national truckers organization is asking for kids around the country to help with this important part of the annual program.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is getting ready to kick off the fifth Truckers for Troops® care package campaign, scheduled for the week of Dec. 5 – 9, 2011. The effort raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is one of the Association’s favorite events.

“The generosity of our members is what really makes the program a success,” said Norita Taylor, Media Spokesperson for OOIDA. “It’s been amazing how much the program grows each year.”

During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s Land Line Now satellite radio show. 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.

Truckers for Troops has also earned praise and support from a variety of sources. Shell Rotella has donated $5,000 to jump-start this year’s program just as they did for last year’s campaign. Recently, the Greater Kansas City Public Relations Society of America named Truckers for Troops as a PRISM award winner for the campaign’s creativity and planning.

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.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 151,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the Greater Kansas City, Mo., area.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 151,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the Greater Kansas City, Mo., area.