Christmas in July 

Christmas in July isn’t just for the Hallmark Channel anymore. It’s the beginning of the Tennessee Trucking Association’s annual Haulin’ for the Holidays fundraiser. Haulin’ for the Holidays is a statewide initiative by the Tennessee Trucking Foundation and the Young Professionals Council to partner with TTA members and local charities to make holidays brighter for Tennessee children, teens and families. 

Jessie Merritt, Executive Vice President of Sales at Reliance Partners, joins Dooner on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?! to talk about the success of previous events and how it’s never too early to get involved.

“The kids are so appreciative. Not only are we getting toys into the hands of kids, but we’re able to put toys and supplies in the hands of the nonprofits that need them. At Hands Up Jackson in Jackson, Tennessee, we were able to build them a playground. We say toy drive but it’s so much bigger than that.” 

This program is run exclusively by donations. Nothing comes from outside grants or funds. It’s all based off donations from “Angel Sponsors,” who enable the TTA to purchase the toys and supplies most needed by the nonprofits. 

“Our Angel Sponsors are motor carriers or freight brokers or vendors who service our industry. We serve nonprofits that are all based in Tennessee across every major city,” Merritt said. “It’s not just a handful of companies that help us raise this money. Last year we raised over $100,000. The smallest donation was $100, the largest $5,000. It takes a ton of people to make this happen. The Tennessee Trucking Foundation is a 501C tax-deductible donation.”

Research from the Sycamore Institute found that in 2022, 17.6% of children in Tennessee lived in low-income households and Tennessee has higher rates of low-income households than the rest of the U.S. However, the study found that the gap had closed in 2022 compared to data in 2010.

The application for nonprofits looking for assistance is open as well. Merritt says, “We still have all the nonprofits we’ve had since the beginning, and any nonprofit can apply; just email me (jessie.merritt@reliancepartners.com).”

The challenge set out on the show by Dooner was to hit $150,000 by the time the holidays come around. 

Said Merritt: “This is why we’re starting early – for companies to get this in their budget and get the word out. The deadline to donate is November, and if we want to hit $150,000 we need to start yesterday.”

Click here to learn more about Reliance Partners.