April 7, 2020 – As most Oregonians continue to stay inside, working remotely if possible, or finding ways to entertain and educate their children, it’s hard to remember that the world hasn’t stopped spinning. Medical personnel, first responders and essential frontline workers are keeping it moving. It’s never more obvious as when people do venture out to secure supplies. Trucks continue to deliver food and consumer goods, keeping store shelves stocked and people fed; however, truck drivers often find it difficult to feed themselves. In a show of support for the service and dedication of truck drivers, Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) will be offering them a free lunch this Thursday, April 9 at Oregon’s Woodburn Port of Entry South Bound (I-5 Milepost 274). OTA will be onsite 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, or until lunches run out.
Truck drivers traveling along that stretch of I-5 are invited to stop in for a free boxed lunch and bottled water, handed out – contact free – by representatives from OTA, along with help from a few select sponsors including EROAD and Right Weigh. All of those interacting with drivers will be decked out in personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) to ensure everyone involved remains as safe as possible.
“Right now, many of us can only sit inside, watch what’s happening and wonder how we can help,” offered OTA President & CEO Jana Jarvis, “This is just a small way that we can acknowledge the risks our drivers are taking on the frontline and show our appreciation for everything our drivers do to keep things moving.”
In order to meet social distancing guidelines, only media and a few select guests are invited to attend in person. There is, however, a way for everyone to get involved by donating to OTA’s Driver Appreciation Fund. A donation of $10 or more will help cover the costs of the meals. Depending on funds, OTA anticipates hosting additional events in other regions around the state. The more donations received; the more truckers OTA can feed. A donation of $100 will feed 10 truck drivers. Those interested can go online to the Driver Appreciation Fund donation page to securely contribute.
Jarvis continued, “At this point in time, monetary donations will help the most. Our drivers continue to work tirelessly, keeping Oregon communities supplied. I hope everyone can take a moment to recognize the difficulties our dedicated drivers are facing during this pandemic and show their support in some small way.”
Many of the on-the-road resources that truck drivers rely on are now unavailable. Depending on the states they travel in, restaurants, rest stops and truck stops have been closed or are offering limited services. While several restaurants are making accommodations specifically for truck drivers, drive-thru and carry-out options aren’t so easy when a vehicle is over 50 feet long, the driver’s window is several feet off the ground and parking is, as always, a challenge.
