Truckers for Troops readies for 2023 campaign

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s Truckers for Troops campaign is set to commence its 17th fundraising effort on Nov. 6-12.

Since the program was established in 2007, OOIDA members have donated nearly $800,000 to veterans and veteran organizations through Truckers for Troops to send care packages overseas to active military and to contribute to veterans in the U.S.

Those efforts extend beyond the fundraising week and are on full display at events like the Veterans Community Project’s commissary day, held the last Wednesday of each month.

The money raised by campaigns such as Truckers for Troops is critical for food, clothing, toiletries and other items provided free of charge for veterans with valid identification. Lunch also is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on these days.

Members of the Truckers for Troops committee were able to attend a recent commissary day and see firsthand how a service like this helps veterans in Kansas City, Mo.

“We came up with the concept of commissary because we saw a big need for that resource,” said Dylan Chevalier, veteran engagement manager at Veterans Community Project Kansas City. “The funds we get from various agencies, such as Truckers for Troops, go toward commissary days to restock the shelves or replenish the miscellaneous items, the hygiene products, just everything we need to provide for veterans for the month. We try to accommodate every need a veteran is facing. We want to show them we’re here for them.”

Frank Smith, a local veteran and former truck driver, was among the shoppers on that particular commissary day.

“I can’t say enough good things about VCP,” Smith said. “They’ve helped me immensely. Not just the food from the commissary, but I’ve got two counselors here to help me find a job and deal with some anxiety. If you have a family at home, the first thing they (VCP) say is, ‘How many in the household?’ They’re doing everything they can to help us out.”

In addition to attending the commissary day, Truckers for Troops also participated in a volunteer day at the VCP-Kansas City in August. Volunteers from OOIDA presented backpacks containing hygiene kits and other necessities that were paid for by fundraising efforts in 2022.

Last year, OOIDA’s military fundraising effort resulted in a $15,000 donation to the VCP-Kansas City.

OOIDA is offering a 50-year anniversary special of a two-year membership for $50 or a discounted one-year membership for $35. Of those dues, 10% will go to the Truckers for Troops fund, and OOIDA will match that amount.

For more information or to donate to the 2023 campaign, go to OOIDA.com/truckers-for-troops.

To learn about any of VCP’s programs or one of its seven locations across the country, visit veteranscommunityproject.org. LL