We all do it every day – heavy lifting. But fellow truck driver David did it one too many times and ended up having emergency surgery for a hernia. Just as he was starting to feel better, about a month and a half later, he had to go under again for an emergency appendectomy. He thought it couldn't get any worse, but soon found out that he had to have surgery once again, this time for his gall bladder. David ended up being off work for several months. In addition to his wife's blood pressure medication they were already paying for, David had several other prescriptions he needed to help in his recovery. They depleted their savings and his wife was working hard to pay the bills they could but there just wasn't enough. That's when they turned to Truckers Helping Truckers a non-profit organization sponsored through NAIT membership dues. Founded in 1991, Truckers Helping Truckers has helped many owner/operators get back on their feet when faced with a financial crisis due to no fault of their own. One dollar of every NAIT membership dues go to the program, although many members have seen the incredible impact of the program and give more.
David had hit bottom. They were starting to get their utilities shut off, going without needed medication and ate peanut butter for 5 weeks because it was all they could afford. At one point, they didn't even have the money for postage to mail some additional information needed to the Truckers Helping Truckers office.
THT stepped in to help David and his wife during this difficult time. They were able to pay their rent keeping them from getting evicted and helped with the electric bill so they kept their lights on. After David's wife searched local pharmacies to find the best price for the necessary prescriptions they were taking, THT even helped pay for some of them! Taking part of the financial burden off allowed David to focus on getting better and getting back out on the road, which David was more than happy to get to finally do!
All payments made on behalf of Truckers of Helping Truckers are made payable directly to the companies the debt is owed so they are able to negotiate for the driver and sometimes get late fees and other fees taken off. THT is not a debt consolidation and the grants do not have to be repaid.
If you know a Truck Driver in need of assistance, have them call Truckers Helping Truckers at 816-891-0848. To learn more about how your tax-deductible gift can help fellow truckers or to become an NAIT member call 800-821-8014. n