Truck Drivers Giving Back This Holiday Season

The holiday season has always been a time where people come together to give back to their communities. Whether it be donating money to a charity, volunteering with a goodwill organization, or making food for friends and families, the holidays are meant to be a time when communities share kindness and cheer wherever it is they hang up their hats.

And, for a truck driver, where you hang your hat during the holidays may not be at home, especially if you’re on the road for work. Giving back this year may also look a little different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, we know there are still so many opportunities to give back safely to those we love and to those who need help most. 

No matter where your work or personal life may take you this season, here are six different ways truck drivers can make the season a little brighter for others:  

Buy Groceries For A Family in Need or Donate to The Local Food Bank

If you’re on the road and have to make a stop in a city other than your own hometown, consider donating to the local food bank. The winter weather and COVID-19 have made it even more challenging for people and families to access the food they need.

If you’re a truck driver who is lucky enough to be home for the holidays, simply look around and see if you can find any families who might be in need of some festive cheer. You don’t have to break the bank to make a difference in their lives. Simply purchase a few extras like a turkey or goodies for a hearty breakfast that will help a family have a memorable holiday meal. By doing so, you may help them free up much needed cash they would otherwise spend on food, so they can buy holiday gifts for their kids.

Sponsor a Local Food Drive

Consider working with your local community leaders or church to organize a food drive that benefits families in need. Make it a fun event and invite all your fellow truck drivers, friends, and family members to join in to help spread the word. It’s up to you if you want to choose specific families for the proceeds of the food drive or you can have the local food bank distribute the food to those they know are most in need. 

Donate Warm Clothing

We view having warm clothes to bundle up in as a universal necessity. But, as we know so well, not everyone is so fortunate. You can help make a difference in someone’s life by donating adult or children’s-size winter coats, hats, scarves, and mittens this season. You can do this in your own hometown (a winter clothing drive instead of a food drive is also a great idea!) or in the city where you happen to have a stop if you’re on the road for work. It doesn’t matter where you’re located; helping those in need this season is always a good thing. 

Don’t Forget About Our Four-Legged Friends 

It’s so easy to forget about them if they’re not yours. But, now is your chance to make a difference even if you’re on the road. You can help your local animal shelter (or one that happens to be in the city you’re stopped at) by donating dog or cat food, old towels or blankets and basic supplies like cat litter and leashes. And, if you’ve been considering having a pet of your own, another great way to give back is to adopt an animal from a shelter. This not only helps reduce overcrowding in shelters, it also opens up space for other animals who deserve a chance at finding the right home.

Shovel Snow For Those Who Can’t Do It On Their Own

Get a little extra exercise in and help a neighbor, family member, or friend who, for whatever reason, can’t shovel snow on their own. Perhaps, it’s an elderly neighbor or a single mom rushing off to school drop off and work. It’s a simple act of kindness that can truly make a world of difference to someone’s day. Here’s another bonus to doing this: It’s all outdoors, thus making it easy to social distance and maintain safe COVID-19 protocols all while helping others. 

Give Yourself the Gift of Wellness 

All of the above suggestions for giving back can only be done if you stay healthy during this pandemic. If you want to help others, you first have to take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, stay active, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Stay connected with video conferencing and maybe try out some online workouts with your family and friends. You can even treat yourself to a massage afterwards. Make hand hygiene a priority by washing your hands with soap and water regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wear a mask and maintain at least 6 ft of social distance when you’re in the company of others.

The holidays will look different this year because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still give back and share kindness safely no matter where you happen to be.

What are you going to do to share the holiday cheer this year? Tell us in the comments below!