The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund, which helps professional drivers who can’t work due to illness or injury, has received large donations from C.H. Robinson, Love's Travel Stops, and Yokohama Tire to help it in efforts to assist drivers who contract COVID-19.

“Alongside all the healthcare workers, truck drivers on the road right now are true heroes, battling this virus on the frontlines,” stated SCF Executive Director Donna Kennedy in a press release. “Within the next two weeks, we expect to see a significant increase in truckers contracting the coronavirus, many of which do not have healthcare coverage or the financial means to support their families. This is going to be a major problem for everyone, including the drivers, the industry, the economy, and Americans across the country.”

SCF is a nonprofit organization that helps professional drivers and their families with expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and vehicle payments when an illness or injury causes them to be out of work.

“The pivotal role that truck drivers play in keeping our economy moving has been made even more clear in recent weeks as we have faced the COVID-19 crisis,” said Angie Freeman, chief human resources and ESG officer at third-party logistics provider C.H. Robinson, and president of the C.H. Robinson Foundation.

The thought was mirrored by Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer of Love’s Travel Stops, calling professional truck drivers “the backbone of the U.S., especially during this challenging time.”

C.H. Robinson and Love's donated $50,000 and $100,000, respectively.

In addition to donating a portion of its April commercial truck tire sales to the SCF, Yokohama has set up a link so individuals can donate directly to the fund. Yokohama will send a special rebate code to the first 500 people who donate $10 or more to SCF, which can be redeemed on Yokohama tires purchased during the remainder of the year.  

“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,” said Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama’s director of marketing.

Truckers needing assistance from SCF can apply by clicking here. To donate to SCF’s mission to support truckers and their families in financial need, click here or contact Shannon Currier at shannon@truckersfund.org.