Truckers for Troops 2019 begins Veterans Day

November 8, 2019

Land Line Staff

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OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops fundraiser launches on Veterans Day. Here’s what you need to know to join the effort.

Land Line Now will air the telethon portion of the campaign beginning Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 15.

This year’s telethon will include interviews with veterans who experienced the fall of Saigon, stories from patient advocates and healthcare providers about how Truckers for Troops care packages are helping meet needs of veterans at home; and interviews from those service members who have received care packages while stationed overseas.

Truckers for Troops generates funds in order to send care packages to service personnel in combat zones. Truckers for Troops also helps a variety of veterans’ facilities in the United States, including those that assist or provide housing for wounded, disabled or homeless service members.

During the campaign period, new and renewal memberships are discounted to the special price of $35 – a savings of $10 off the regular price. Ten percent of the amount paid during the campaign week will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund, and OOIDA will then match those funds.

Truckers for Troops has been a success from the start. The first campaign started with a modest goal to raise $5,000. However, generous truck drivers opened their wallets and raised more than eight times the original goal, with a total of $42,083.

The success shouldn’t be a surprise since veterans are a huge part of the trucking industry. More than one-third of OOIDA members have served in the military.

Since 2007, OOIDA members have generated over $600,000 to send packages to our country’s troops overseas and veterans’ facilities in the United States. Last year’s efforts brought in more than $38,500.

To be a part of Truckers for Troops, just call OOIDA’s main number, 800-444-5791.

During business hours, let operators know you’re calling about Truckers for Troops, and they will transfer you to membership. Phones will be answered live, and the switchboards will stay open later than usual, so you can call until 7:30 p.m. Central. Contributions also can be made through the OOIDA website.

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.

OOIDA requests the names and addresses of troops serving in active combat zones or veteran facilities with unmet needs to add to the Association’s list of recipients. Call the name and address in to Nikki Johnson at OOIDA at 816-229-5791. You also may email her at Troops@OOIDA.com. Be sure to include an address and a projected stateside return date for individuals.

In addition, the Association seeks handmade cards or letters for inclusion in care packages. If you would like to include a card or letter in the package, please send it to OOIDA, 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.