TravelCenters launches annual charity campaign

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America L.L.C. will begin its annual campaign in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) on Aug. 1.

SCF is a non-profit organization that helps truck drivers suffering financial hardship due to medical problems. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment for mortgage/rent, utilities, vehicle payments, insurance, prescriptions and/or some medical procedures.

The month-long campaign will run at participating TA and Petro locations through Aug. 31.

During the event, guests and employees at TA and Petro Stopping Centers will be invited to contribute. As in the past, commemorative wristbands and SCF keychains will be made available for $1 and $5, respectively.

Contributions may be made at participating TA and Petro restaurants, travel stores, fuel buildings and truck service facilities. All proceeds go directly to SCF.

"As we kick off our eighth year of the SCF campaign, we couldn't be happier to continue supporting drivers in need and knowing that our customers and employees are helping answer prayers for those dealing with financial burdens due to sickness or injury," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters.

TravelCenters has been supporting drivers through the SCF since 2010. The TA and Petro annual campaign marks the largest single contribution the fund receives each year. As of July 2017, SCF has helped more than 1,900 truck drivers and their families with monthly bills, including utilities and mortgages.

"This campaign is instrumental in allowing us the honor of offering assistance to drivers in need," said Donna Kennedy, executive director of SCF. "The number of applications we receive skyrocket during and immediately after the campaign. This program not only raises money to help drivers, it clearly raises awareness for those in need. We are so appreciative of TA, the employees and the drivers that contribute,"

Professional drivers who are suffering from financial hardships due to medical problems can apply to the SCF for assistance at www.truckersfund.org.