Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Inc. recently renewed their commitment to Trucker Buddy International by providing support as a Gold Level Sponsor.

Jim Johnston, President of OOIDA, said the organization believes in the mission of Trucker Buddy and, "is pleased to lend our support to this worthwhile program." Through their donation of a financial contribution and advertising space in Land Line Magazine, OOIDA has helped Trucker Buddy in their efforts to recruit additional drivers to correspond with elementary students.

Trucker Buddy is devoted to bringing professional drivers into the nation's classrooms. About 5,000 classes from Alaska to Florida send cards and letters to their Trucker Buddies. Teachers, such as Nancy Mead in Gladstone, MI, use the program to teach geography to their classes. Driver Gloria Helland brought Geo Georgie, a traveling turtle, in her truck as she delivered her loads for Marten Transport. At the end of the school year, Geo Georgie was returned to the second grade classroom with a journal of his travels. "Every page was a treasure," said Mrs. Mead, "The students and I learned so much. What a wonderful experience."

Trucker Buddy International Executive Director Ellen Voie said, "The relationship between OOIDA and Trucker Buddy allows both organizations to benefit by promoting a positive image of the professional driver to those outside of the industry. Without the support of industry organizations such as OOIDA, Trucker Buddy could not continue to promote a mentoring relationship between drivers and these children."

Trucker Buddy is a nonprofit organization, funded entirely by charitable donationsfrom corporate sponsors. OOIDA joins Caterpillar as a Gold Level Sponsor, and AT&T, Arvin Meritor, Truckload Carriers Assocation, and Wal-Mart Foundation as Silver LevelDonors. For more information about the program, visit their web site at http://www.truckerbuddy.org or call 1-800-MY BUDDY.