KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Love's Travel Stops and Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) are working with the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF), a truck-driver charity, to help truckers and their families who have experienced an illness or injury that takes them off the road.
Love's recently contributed $100,000 to SCF and YTC has pledged to donate a portion of its commercial truck tire in sales during April to the 501(c)(3) charity, which distributed $501,000 to 344 truckers and their families in 2019.
Donations like this will help professional drivers who can't work due to illness or injury, which could be more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, Love's said.
"This donation reflects our belief that professional truck drivers are the backbone of the U.S., especially during this challenging time," Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer of Love's Travel Stops, said.
"This contribution enables us to help drivers with immediate needs when they are unable to work due to COVID-19 or other medical issues."
This fund helps with expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance and vehicle payments.
Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama's director of marketing, said, "As we collectively face the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19, the country is looking for ways to support the unsung heroes who are working behind the scenes, such as the truck drivers, who are delivering the products necessary to help Americans maintain some sense of calm in this unchartered territory.
"Supporting the SCF during this critical time will help ensure that these drivers will have financial assistance available to them when they are in need."
In addition to its monetary donation, YTC said it hopes to raise awareness of the SCF and its mission.
Yokohama has set up a link — truckersfund.org/yokohama — so individuals can donate directly to the SCF Truckers Fund Donation.
As a thank you, Yokohama will send a special rebate code to the first 500 people who donate $10 or more to SCF. The rebates can be redeemed on Yokohama tires purchased during the remainder of the year.
Shannon Currier, SCF director of philanthropy and development, thanked both Love's and Yokohama for their "generous support.
"What a blessing it is to see our industry come together to support the truck drivers that play such a critical role in our everyday lives," she added.