Truckers for Troops gives shoes to homeless vets as part of Operation Stand Down

The Truckers for Troops campaign donated 120 pairs of shoes to homeless veterans as it continues its expanded mission of providing care packages to U.S. military veterans at home and abroad.

The shoe donations were made as part of the Heart of America Stand Down event on Friday, June 8, in Kansas City, Mo. Stand Down events take place throughout the United States and are part of the Veterans Administration’s efforts to provide supplies and services to homeless veterans.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association began the Truckers for Troops care package campaign in 2007. Since its founding, the effort has raised more than $595,000 and sent care packages serving more than 38,000 military personnel overseas in combat zones, to veterans homes and veterans assistance functions.

OOIDA sends care packages overseas throughout the year as part of the campaign.

“So far in 2018, we’ve been able to send care packages out to about 250 people overseas and to about 20 veterans’ homes or events,” said Norita Taylor, director of public relations. “We anticipate sending more this summer. Care packages include personal items, hygiene care, books, and snacks, whereas the veterans packages tend to be customized to the immediate needs of those homes or events including things like shoes or musical instruments.”

OOIDA members can support Truckers for Troops by signing up or renewing their membership during the week of Veteran’s Day.

A radio broadcast is planned for each day of that week on OOIDA’s Land Line Now satellite radio show on Sirius XM 146. During that week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $35, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar. Any new or renewal memberships collected 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.

Package addresses
Anyone who would like a family member or friend serving in a combat zone with the U.S. military to get a care package can send the name and complete address to troops@ooida.com.  Be sure to include a projected stateside return date. Requests from veteran facilities with unmet needs also are welcome.

Cards and letters
If you would like us to include your hand-made cards or letters in care packages, please send them to us. 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.