The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association's seventh Truckers for Troops care package campaign is going on this week. The fundraising effort is an OOIDA tradition since 2007 and has a head start with a donation of $5,000 from Shell Rotella. Truckers for Troops raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones.

The association is currently seeking addresses for sending packages.

“We have a list started, thanks to input from our members,” said Norita Taylor, media spokesperson for OOIDA. “But we have room for more addresses.”

During Truckers for Troops week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $25, with 10% of that money going toward care packages for U.S. troops stationed in combat areas overseas. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar. The special $25 membership price will remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2014, but only memberships during the campaign dates will go toward the Truckers for Troops fund.

Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Anyone who has a family member or friend serving in a war zone with the U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to nikki_johnson@ooida.com.

Taylor says that while socks and snacks top the list of most troops’ care packages, cards and letters from home are what make them truly special. “We are also asking for kids and adults around the country to help with this important part of a yearly tradition by sending us letters and cards to include in the care packages.”

Send cards and letters to Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029.

Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. Packages will likely go out after the holidays in January or February.