A non-profit organization that lends financial assistance to truckers in need is getting a boost of its own from one of the leading travel center operators in the U.S.
TravelCenters of America LLC Monday, July 1, launched its 10th annual Band Together campaign to support the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund. The month-long campaign will run at participating TA, Petro and TA Express travel centers through July 31.
Throughout the month, guests and employees of TA, Petro and TA Express can make a donation of $1 or more. Commemorative wristbands will be given to those making a $1 donation, while $5 donors will receive metal keychains.
All donations go directly to the SCF to provide financial assistance to over-the-road and regional professional truck drivers, who are unable to work due to medical issues. The SCF assists with mortgage/rent, utilities, vehicle payments and insurance bills while drivers are out of work.
“Drivers who suffer from an illness or injury are coping with treatments and trying to recover,” said Barry Richards, president and COO of TravelCenters. “The stress of a financial burden can get in the way of that recovery. The St. Christopher Fund provides medical and financial guidance and assistance so drivers can fully focus on their health and wellness. It’s an honor to be in our tenth year of supporting the ‘Band Together’ campaign,” he added.
TravelCenters began its support of the SCF in 2010. The ‘Band Together for SCF’ annual campaign marks the largest single contribution the fund receives each year. TravelCenters purchases and donates all of the wristbands and keychains.
“We are forever grateful for the support we have received from TravelCenters for the last ten years,” said Dr. Donna Kennedy, executive director of the SCF.
As of last month, the SCF has helped more than 2,700 truck drivers and their families with monthly bills totaling more than $2.7 million.