TravelCenters of America, operator of TA and Petro Stopping Centers, announced its largest ever donation - $278,207 - to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund.


The donation monies were given by TA and Petro customers and employees during TravelCenters' third annual "Band Together for SCF" campaign, as well as during summer events, including the TA Walcott Truckers Jamboree, Expedite Expo and Great American Trucking show.

SCF is a non-profit organization that benefits truck drivers suffering from financial hardship due to medical problems. The 2012 "Band Together for SCF" campaign ran from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 at all TA and Petro locations.

Drivers were asked to give $1 to help their fellow drivers in need and in turn received a commemorative wristband. For the first year in the campaign's three-year history, wristbands sold out.

"We supplied 255,000 wristbands for the campaign - more than we've ever had - and our customers are wearing all of them; professional truck drivers have once again proved their generosity and their respect for one another," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters.

TravelCenters began its annual SCF fundraiser in 2010. Each year, the campaign donations increase, and 100% of all donations collected go to the organization. The 2012 campaign donation is the largest single donation SCF has received.

"I am still in disbelief about the amazing results of this year's campaign," said Donna Kennedy, executive director of SCF. "This outpour of generosity from TA and Petro customers and employees will result in SCF being able to immediately increase assistance with utility bills, mortgage payments and other monthly bills for truckers in need."