Five Good Things: Trucking Cares Foundation donates and USPS Operation Santa opens

It's the season of giving, and the trucking industry is doing just that. Check out how the industry is giving back in this week's Five Good Things.

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Trucking Cares Foundation donates $25,000 to support truck driver training

The Trucking Cares Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Center for Employment Training, which provides education and hands-on training to individuals seeking employment in high-demand fields.

"CET's mission is to equip individuals with skills that will enable them to obtain careers leading to self-sufficiency in high-demand occupations and prepare them for a lifetime of success," said Phil Byrd, TCF chairman and president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. "Through this donation, the Trucking Cares Foundation hopes to open the door of opportunity to more young people seeking economic independence and rewarding careers in the trucking industry."

CET is an economic and community development corporation that operates a dozen locations and offers technical training for positions in various fields, from truck drivers and mechanics to medical assistants and childcare workers.

"At the Center for Employment Training, our truck driving program is more than just learning to operate a vehicle; it's a commitment to human development and self-sufficiency," said Hermelinda Sapien, president and CEO of Center for Employment Training. "Through hands-on skills training, we empower underserved and underrepresented populations with barriers to employability, providing a tangible pathway to gain the skills needed for a fulfilling and independent future. Our mission is to drive positive change by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate not just the roads but the journey toward self-reliance and success."

Vehicle wrap provider seeks nonprofits to sponsor

Representatives from the Southwest Ohio chapter of Heroes on the Water with Advertising Vehicles Account Executive, Ben Schrand. This fully wrapped trailer was provided through the Nonprofit Sponsorship Program.

Advertising Vehicles announced the continuation of its nonprofit sponsorship program for the upcoming year. This initiative builds upon the achievements of previous campaigns, which featured collaborations with Make-A-Wish, Heroes on the Water, Last Mile Food Rescue, and PAWS Adoption Center. The nonprofit sponsorship program is designed to empower nonprofit organizations, enhancing their visibility and enabling them to spread their message through fleet graphics advertising—all at no cost to the selected nonprofit partner.

Alex Souders, director of marketing for Advertising Vehicles, who played a pivotal role in initiating this program in 2021, attested to its positive impact. "There are so many great organizations that need assistance getting out their message, and this is a small but effective way we can do our part to help with that," Souders said.

The core of Advertising Vehicles' nonprofit sponsorship program is to offer comprehensive support to organizations seeking to create fleet graphics that reflect their mission. This program provides an array of services, including free consultations with a dedicated graphics designer and creative team, as well as support for print production, coordination, and installation.

Advertising Vehicles is currently accepting applications online through Jan. 1.

USPS Operation Santa letter adoption now open

The U.S. Postal Service opened its Operation Santa program before Black Friday for the first time due to customer requests.

USPS Operation Santa turns 111 years old this year. The program allows people to help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not—safely and securely. USPS Operation Santa is not a guaranteed gift-giving program.

Since Sept. 18, the Postal Service has received letters from across the country and has been delivering them to Santa's U.S. workshop at 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888. Letters sent with First-Class Mail postage and complete, accurate, and legible return addresses have been opened, reviewed, and posted on USPSOperationSanta.com. People can begin reading and adopting letters today. The last day to adopt letters is Dec. 18.

Here are USPS' instructions for letter adopters:

Visit USPSOperationSanta.com, register, and have your identity verified.
If potential adopters are unable to complete their ID verification online, they will be provided with a code and given instructions on how to complete verification in person at a local post office.
Once verified, the adopter will receive a welcome email with detailed information on how to participate in the program.
Potential adopters can read letters and choose one or more to fulfill. Once a letter is chosen, adopters must follow the directions in their welcome email to ship gifts.
Packages must be shipped via Priority Mail service, but gifts do not need to be in Priority Mail-branded boxes.
Letter adopters are responsible for postage fees to ship the gift packages.

Goodyear and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve team up to deliver holiday cheer to local families

Goodyear Airships associates and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve members pose in front of the Goodyear Blimp at past Toys for Tots donation drives.

Goodyear announced its continued partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for the 13th consecutive year in support of the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. This year's toy drive events will occur at Goodyear's Blimp bases in California, Florida, and Ohio. These drives will give the public a unique opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots while enjoying an up-close view of the iconic Goodyear Blimp.

From Dec. 1 to 3, Ohio residents can drive through the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look before dropping off their donation to a U.S. Marine. In Florida, the event will be held on Dec. 3, offering hangar tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The California event on Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcomes registered attendees to enjoy guided tours of the base. Blimp enthusiasts in California can secure their tour spot here.

For those unable to attend the drives in person, toys can also be shipped to Goodyear's hangars through Dec. 3. Toys being donated must be new and in the original packaging to be accepted.

"The enduring partnership between Goodyear and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in support of the Marines Toys for Tots Program is a source of immense pride for us," said Laura Duda, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief communications officer. "For the 13th consecutive year, we're excited to open the doors of our three blimp bases to the public, offering a unique chance to contribute to Toys for Tots while experiencing the magic of the Goodyear Blimp up close."

St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund receives donations from Ambest and its members that nearly double last year's

Since 2015, Ambest and its members have raised over $166,000 for SCF to help semi-truck drivers and their families who have financial needs due to current medical problems.

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund announced that Ambest, a collective of independent truck stop and service center owners, is giving back $57,387 to truck drivers in need.

The funds that Ambest members and employees raised at the company's 35th annual meeting in Reno, NV, nearly doubled the amount collected at last year's annual meeting.

"Ambest members are dedicated to offering safe, clean, and affordable places for professional truck drivers, and they pride themselves on the unique, personalized service they provide," said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy at St. Christopher. "Ambest staff and members showed their heart for drivers through their incredible generosity at this year's member meeting, and we are thankful for their continued support."

Since 2015, Ambest and its members have raised over $166,000 for SCF to help semi-truck drivers and their families with financial needs due to current medical problems. This year's annual meeting was attended by 401 members and guests who donated funds at the trade show and on the final evening during the Celebration Gala at the National Automobile Museum.

"Ambest has been a steadfast supporter of the St. Christopher Fund for a long time. This year during our annual meeting, our members' contributions to the donation drive once again exceeded our expectations," said Chuck Ryan, president & CEO, Ambest Inc. "After the pledges were collected, a female OTR driver approached me (we often welcome visiting drivers), sharing a powerful testimony: 'Five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When no other organizations were willing to assist, the St. Christopher organization came to my aid.' Moments such as this make our support and efforts truly worthwhile. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire St. Christopher team!"

To donate or sponsor the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, contact Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy, via email at [email protected].