Press Release

For Immediate Release

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Enhances Support for Veterans Through Volunteer Efforts and 17th Annual Truckers for Troops® Campaign

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) continues to amplify its commitment to the veteran community, both through its traditional Truckers for Troops® campaign and additional volunteer initiatives.OOIDA Volunteer Day at Veterans Community Project

On Saturday, August 19, OOIDA personnel visited the Veterans Community Project (VCP) for a special volunteer day. The team distributed 250 backpacks filled with essential items like ponchos and hygiene kits. The association also spent the morning packing food boxes for the VCP commissary, a facility designed to meet the food and other basic needs of homeless veterans. VCP is unique among veteran facilities, as it is one of the few that allows pets, adding another layer of support for our nation’s heroes.

Among the day’s volunteers were OOIDA’s President Todd Spencer and Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh, both of whom are veterans.

Norita Taylor, Director of Public Relations, also attended and participated in a tour of the campus. “We learned a great deal about the services they provide,” she said. “I found the stories about the residents compelling, especially the ones able to keep their pets. Dogs and cats as companions can be comforting to veterans.”

Truckers for Troops® 17th Annual Campaign

Scheduled to launch during Veterans Day week, specifically from November 6-19, 2023, the 17th annual Truckers for Troops® campaign  is geared towards sending care packages to service personnel in combat zones. In addition to serving active-duty military members, the campaign extends its reach to various U.S. veterans facilities, particularly those aiding wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.

Over its 16-year history, OOIDA has raised more than $729,000 and sent over 3,200 care packages, benefiting more than 39,252 military personnel. OOIDA has also provided aid to 65 different facilities, including the Veterans Community Project.

How to Contribute to Truckers for Troops®

During the annual, November campaign period, new and renewal members will be given a choice to use either the 50-year anniversary special for a two-year membership or a $35 discounted price for one year. 10 percent of the amount paid will go towards the Truckers for Troops fund. OOIDA will then match the 10 percent dollar for dollar.

The $35 one-year membership is a savings of $10 off regular $45 yearly dues. The two-year membership for $50 is a savings of $40 and it is good until 12/31/23. The $35 membership price will remain in effect two weeks only. Take advantage of either special and help show your appreciation to our men and women in uniform.

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 non-profit corporation.

 To contribute, join or renew, you can:

• Call: OOIDA’s main number, 816-229-5791. Let operators know you’re interested in the Truckers for Troops campaign.
• Online: Visit OOIDA.com and click on “Become a Member” or directly donate at Truckers for Troops Donation Page.

After business hours: Press 1 after calling the main number to leave your name and phone number for membership to call you back.

Sending Packages and Cards

Family or friends of U.S. military members can send package addresses to troops@ooida.com. For those who wish to send cards and letters, the address is:

Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Please exclude last names or other personal information. Packages typically go out in January or February, while veterans packages are sent throughout the year.

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