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For decades, truck drivers have shared the concept of "passing in on;' essentially, we help others in need to show our appreciation for all of the help we've received along the way - we ‘pay it forward.' In today's world, this concept has taken second place to just-in-time deliveries and the increased dangers of stopping to assist someone. However, truckers still make a mark in the causes near and dear to them.

Following are some of the better known charitable organizations truckers are involved in with descriptions taken directly from their corresponding websites.
World's Largest Truck Convoy
Last year, the World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics raised $643,000 and involved 1,700+ trucks. Inspired by the powerful impact Special Olympics has had on his life through his participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, and combined with his family's involvement with the trucking industry, Norm Schneiderhan, a Corporal with the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Department, created World's Largest Truck Convoy. Convoys are found throughout the fall in most states and Canada.
Truckers for Troops
With 37% of OOIDA members either being veterans of military service or active now, OOIDA started the Truckers for Troops radiothon in 2008. During the two radiothons, 2008 and 2009 held so far, truckers raised over $97,000 to send care packages to active duty troops consisting of things to bring a little bit of home and show our appreciation to the troops while serving overseas. The next telethon will probably be in December; watch the OOIDA web site, (www.ooida.com), LandLine Magazine and LandlineNow on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio's Road Dog Trucking channel XM 171 and SIRIUS 147.
St. Christopher's Fund
Founded by XM/Sirius radio talk show host Dave Nemo, host of the Dave Nemo Show (XM Radio Channel 171 - Open Road) and Dr. John McElligott (Dr. John) the Chairman and Founder of Professional Drivers Medical Depots (PDMD), SCF helps professional drivers and their families who have financial needs due to medical problems and who have little or no insurance. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment for medical services or prescription drugs, assistance with expenses while recovering from illness and out of work, or negotiating price reductions with insurance companies, medical providers and hospitals.
Convoy for a Cure and Convoy for a Cure-USA
Convoy for a Cure to stop breast cancer was initially started in Canada by CFAC was founded by Rachele Champagne and had the 1st all-female convoy in Canada on Oct. 18, 2008. Her thought of having an all female convoy was unique, as it had never been done before. Also, the cause of Breast Cancer was something all women could readily embrace. The event was a huge success, raising $15,000 for Breast Cancer in 2008. This year, CFAC will have three convoys in Canada and the new Convoy for a Cure USA will have their first event October 24, 2009 at Willie's Place at Carl's Corner TX. Convoy for a Cure-USA was founded by life-time OOIDA member Cindy Stowe.

Truckers are involved in other charitable work throughout the country; however, beyond the World's Largest Truck Convoy, truckers are mainly un-sung contributors with little national media attention given to them for their good works. They routinely donate their time and energies in national emergencies and local disasters and are involved in various community charitable projects. Truckers are mostly a ‘humble lot' and do not participate in charitable work for the public recognition. Truckers help others on a daily basis just because it is how they are; they freely pass on the help they have received in their lives to others in need. How are you passing it on?