Truckers for Troops to kick off Nov. 5

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is rolling into its 12th year of its Truckers for Troops fundraiser.

The annual campaign, which will be Nov. 5-9, 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 of raising $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 as 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 more than a half a million dollars to send packages to our country’s troops overseas and veterans’ facilities in the United States.

Land Line Now will air the Truckers for Troops telethon from Monday, Nov. 5 through Friday, Nov. 9.

To be a part of it, 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. CST.

You can also visit Jon Osburn at The Spirit of the American Trucker during the campaign and sign up or renew your membership.

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.