This week, the Arkansas Trucking Association is partnering with Project Zero and Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to deliver Christmas gifts to children and teens in foster care across Arkansas.
Over the past few weeks, individuals and businesses adopted wish lists of children in foster care shipped gifts to Project Zero’s “North Pole” in Little Rock. On Friday, Dec. 4, trucking and community volunteers will organize, sort and load the donated gifts onto trucks for delivery throughout the state.
Candyland Christmas To-Go is an adaptation of Project Zero’s annual in-person gift-giving event that brings the foster children and teens to one central location to fulfill their holiday wish lists. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the coalition reworked the event and enlisted the help of truck drivers to take the Candyland magic on the road so children could stay in their own communities without missing the fun.
“This year has brought challenges to all of our favorite traditions and celebrations, but the work and the need don’t stop,” said Shannon Newton, Arkansas Trucking Association president and board member of Project Zero. “Truck wheels have not stopped turning and children have not stopped hoping for a merry Christmas. Whether it’s at an annual gathering or spread across dozens of cities throughout the state, hope is something we can always deliver.”
On Saturday, Dec. 5, six truck drivers are scheduled to depart the “North Pole” at Fellowship Bible Church with trailers full of gifts, delivering individualized sacks of toys to the more than 400 kids currently in Arkansas’ foster program.
“Truck drivers are like Santa Claus all year-round. They may rely on 18-wheels instead of eight reindeer, but they really do deliver the things we want, need and wish for. Everyone deserves a memorable holiday season, whether you are with your forever family or in a time of transition,” said Newton.
A special thanks to Arkansas Trucking Association member companies ABF Freight, CalArk International, FedEx Freight, MC Express, P&P Trucking, Stallion Transportation, USA Truck, Walmart Transportation and Wayne Smith Trucking for contributing equipment, transportation and volunteers to make this Christmas possible.
About Project Zero: Project Zero is a statewide coalition aimed at raising awareness about children in foster care waiting for adoption. For more information, visit theprojectzero.com.
About the Arkansas Trucking Association: Since 1932, the Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) has served as the voice of the trucking industry, promoting the vitality of this industry on which nearly 87 percent of Arkansas communities exclusively rely to move their goods. Made up of approximately 300 trucking and service companies, ATA helps members grow their business and profits while protecting the collective interests of trucking companies in the political and regulatory arenas. For more information, visit arkansastrucking.com.
