WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA), which operates the TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express travel center network, is launching a point-of-sale fundraising campaign to help professional drivers who may be out of work due to an illness or injury.
From now until Nov. 30, customers shopping in participating travel stores will have the option to round up their order to the nearest dollar (not available in Mississippi or South Carolina). One hundred percent of the donated amount will benefit the St. Christopher’s Trucker Relief Fund (SCF).
“We’re committed to giving back to the millions of professional drivers who call us their ‘home away from home,’” said Barry Richards, president of TA. “These men and women sacrifice so much for our country, including their own physical health. This point-of-sale campaign provides an easy way for fellow drivers, our other customers and our employees to help those in need.”
SCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers when an illness or injury takes them out of work. The SCF also provides programs that benefit professional drivers and the trucking industry, such as free vaccines, a tobacco cessation program, and health and wellness challenges.
TA began its support of SCF in 2010 and since then has raised nearly $3 million for the organization. According to SCF, studies have shown that more than 70% of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. have one or more serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders or cardiovascular disease. Truck drivers also lack the same access to health that most Americans enjoy due to irregular working hours, long periods spent working away from home, and the inability to take their trucks to clinic locations. One third of truck drivers do not have health insurance.
“We’re honored and humbled by the support we receive from TravelCenters of America,” said Donna Kennedy, director of SCF. “Professional drivers always support each other, and we’re confident when they see the point-of-sale fundraiser at TA registers across the country, they’ll be compelled to help. This campaign will have an immense impact for those in need.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I drove truck for over 25 years before I slipped on ice now I will never be able to work again I have had multiple surgerys .my attorney did nothing for me I got 5000 dollars I tried and begged him to reopen my case and he said he can’t I’m homeless I live in a pop-up camper.i am 100 percent disabled.i have tried to get help but I get nothing as far as money or a place to live I get ssd but I can’t afford a place with what I get I miss being on the road more than anyone would know.being on the road was my home. Well thanks for reading my story be safe out there.god pless you all.