Five Good Things: Supporting drivers, flood victims, teachers, and students

Averitt donates $20,000 to support Texas flood relief

In response to the recent flooding that has devastated parts of Texas, Averitt Charities announced a $20,000 donation to Samaritan’s Purse to aid in ongoing relief and recovery efforts.  

The donation will help provide emergency support to individuals and families affected by the widespread flooding. 

“Our thoughts are with the many communities in Texas that are facing the aftermath of this disaster,” said Gary Sasser, chairman and CEO at Averitt. “While none of our facilities or associates have been directly impacted at this time, we know that many people in the region are hurting. Through this contribution, we hope to help bring some measure of comfort and assistance as recovery continues.”

DMC Insurance names 2025 Driver of the Year

DMC Insurance recently recognized Perry Carter of Cargo Transporters as the 2025 DMC Driver of the Year. This award highlights top-tier drivers among DMC’s customers each year. Nominees are evaluated on their driving record, leadership contributions within their organization, and dedication to their community and the trucking industry.

Perry was unanimously chosen as the winning driver by a committee of trucking industry experts. The award, along with a cash prize and gift package, will be formally presented to Perry during a special appreciation event hosted by DMC at the Cargo Transporters headquarters this summer. 

“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader, and an industry ambassador,” said Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”

Perry stood out for his long history of safe driving and commitment to serving others. As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he devotes his personal time to supporting organizations that help fellow veterans, such as Ride of Pride-DTNA Cleveland, American Legion Posts, Purple Heart Homes, and American Warriors of Liberty, North Carolina. He drives Cargo Transporters’ Ride of Pride tractor, The Carolina, a military-themed Freightliner honoring veterans.

He has also maintained a flawless safety record over nearly 3 million miles and 32 years, over two decades of which have been with Cargo Transporters. Perry’s devotion to the trucking industry is evident through his roles as a 2024 TCA Driver of the Year, 2025 ATA Road Team Captain, and participation in multiple Truck Driving Championships.

Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for aiding unresponsive truck driver

The Truckload Carriers Association named truck driver Jeanine Reinhad, from Charlotte, North Carolina, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to aid a truck driver who was unresponsive and blocking traffic at a weigh station. Reinhad drives for Halvor Lines out of Superior, Wisconsin.

On June 17, around noon in Kuttawa, Kentucky, Reinhad came across a man in a truck who was unresponsive. She was trying to leave a weigh station, but the man’s truck was stopped blocking the road, so she approached the vehicle.

“I said, ‘Are you okay?’” Reinhad said. “He couldn’t talk; I said, ‘Do you need medical attention?’ It took me forever to call 911. Can you believe 911 never answered?”

Reinhad was able to contact state police in another county, who then transferred her to the help she needed. She waited for first responders with the challenged man, who she said was on oxygen in his truck. First responders were able to get the man out of his truck, and Kentucky state troopers moved the vehicle out of traffic.

“He was an older gentleman—hopefully he was okay,” Reinhad said.

See also: Ford F-250 Super Duty: A work truck that acts like a Tremor

Hyundai and Genesis launch Texas flood relief program for Kerrville and surrounding communities

In response to the floods impacting Kerrville and surrounding communities in Texas, Hyundai and Genesis Motor America have launched a disaster relief initiative to support residents, first responders, and vehicle owners affected by the disaster. The program includes a $150,000 donation, direct customer relief, and coordinated assistance with community partners and government agencies.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods in Texas," said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai. "On behalf of our teams and partners, Hyundai and Genesis support the community and relief organizations to assist with the recovery. We are grateful for the first responders and those on the ground assisting. We will continue to look for meaningful ways to support the recovery."

As part of the relief effort, Hyundai and Genesis will jointly donate $75,000 to each of the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to support emergency response, sheltering, and long-term community recovery efforts. These donations directly support residents in FEMA-declared disaster areas and bolster the frontline work of volunteers and first responders.

Additionally, Hyundai Capital America, including Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance, is offering payment relief options for eligible customers affected by the floods. Customers in impacted regions can contact their respective finance providers for hardship support and individualized assistance.

RNR Tire Express to donate $100,000 in annual back-to-school giveaways

This back-to-school season, RNR Tire Express is kicking off its annual teacher and backpack giveaways. 

This initiative comes at a time when economic challenges are looming across the country, and while school supplies cost 9.4% more than the same time last year—providing backpacks and essential supplies to kids nationwide aids in alleviating stress for parents so they can focus on the upcoming school year.

Now in its 11th year, RNR's backpack giveaway will see 27 franchise groups, representing more than 175 stores, distribute over 9,600 backpacks filled with school supplies. With this year's effort, RNR will surpass a milestone of 30,000 backpacks donated to students nationwide since the inception of the giveback initiative.

Backpack giveaway details:

• Visit your local RNR Tire Express location to pick up your backpack while supplies last from July 28 to August 9. For information regarding this year's initiative, please visit rnrtires.com/school.
• Select RNR locations will be offering back-to-school deals, free tire safety checks, and more to ensure families are safe on the road this fall.
• In some markets, stores will be hosting a "Back to School Bash" to celebrate the school year beginning by inviting families for free food, backpacks, and giveaways.

"We believe every child deserves to start the school year with the proper tools to set them up for success. By putting essential supplies into the hands of families in need, we're investing in futures, supporting our communities, and showing up for one another in the ways that truly matter," said Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express. "The backpack giveaway has remained a staple for the RNR team and the communities we serve; it's a reflection of who we are as a community-first brand."

The teacher giveaway, in its fifth year, is a campaign designed to celebrate deserving teachers who go above and beyond for their students. Local community members are invited to nominate an educator who is worthy of recognition for their dedication and impact in education. One teacher will be selected by the RNR team to be honored by having their entire Amazon classroom wish list purchased. These lists often include hundreds of dollars of school supplies, learning tools, and classroom resources that would otherwise be purchased out of pocket.

"Teachers give so much of themselves, often digging into their own pockets to make sure their students have what they need," Sutton added. "The annual teacher supply giveaway is our way of saying 'thank you' and recognizing the incredible impact they have every single day. At RNR Tire Express, we're proud to stand behind the educators who shape the future, one classroom at a time."

Nominations for this year's giveaway will be accepted from July 7 to August 2. For more information on the giveaway and to nominate a local educator, please visit rnrtires.com/teacher.