Five Good Things: Fleets and drivers give back while keeping operations moving

From feeding communities to equipping future technicians, the trucking industry demonstrates how fleets give back and strengthen local networks.
Feb. 20, 2026
7 min read

This week, the trucking industry donated its time, money, efforts, and more to causes we can all get behind. Get all the details in this week’s Five Good Things

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Purolator contributed 2.8 million meals to food banks in 2025

Purolator delivered 2.8 million meals to food banks in Canada in 2025, marking the largest annual contribution in the Purolator Tackle Hunger program's history.

With food banks experiencing their highest levels of demand to date, Purolator's employees, customers, and partners mobilized to help reach people in need.

"Hunger is having a profound impact on families and communities across Canada. The dedication of our team members, partners, and customers—and the generosity of Canadians—enabled us to surpass our two-million-meals goal and make our largest impact to date," John Ferguson, president and CEO of Purolator, stated. "With the need continuing to rise, there's still much more to do. We're calling on Canadians to help us continue this work for as long as the need exists."

Purolator's employees, partners, and customers held events throughout 2025 to collect food and monetary donations. Every $1 raised helps provide two meals, and one pound of food provides one meal to individuals and families in need across Canada. Key initiatives from Purolator's 2025 campaign include:

  • Purolator's first-ever Breakfast for Kids campaign, which raised more than $91,000 in support of Breakfast Club of Canada.
  • Purolator Tackle Hunger Month in June, during which the organization collected 476,000 meals for Food Banks Canada.
  • The organization's fourth annual Purolator Tackle Hunger National Red Bag campaign, which saw employees distribute 70,000 red bags across 28 communities in Canada and the U.S., resulted in the collection of 210,000 meals.
  • A new era for the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Purolator, with Purolator Tackle Hunger becoming the Official Food Drive of the CFL. This partnership raised more than 789,000 meals through Game Day Food Drives, Stuff-a-Truck events at local grocery stores, and other fundraising efforts. It was supported by CFL players who visited local food banks, helped sort donations, and witnessed firsthand the growing need.
  • Leveraging its network to travel over 43,496 miles to deliver more than 143,000 meals to communities across Northern Canada.

Pilot powered through to show people they matter during winter storms

When recent winter storms swept across the country, bringing snow, ice, and frigid temperatures, Pilot team members showed up.

Even in the midst of a storm, Pilot’s professional drivers were there, fueling journeys and helping to keep America moving. During Winter Storm Fern, 1.6 million miles were safely driven, and over 15,000 loads of fuel were successfully delivered.

In Midland, Texas, lead driver Gary Nichols drove his personal vehicle to monitor and communicate road conditions, keeping safety front and center. Drivers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, worked together to turn on trucks so that they would be ready to roll the moment it was safe. 

At Flying J #665 in Greenwood, Louisiana, where ice piled up and conditions got tough, the team didn’t back down. Led by travel center GM Melissa Davis and deli general manager Magnolia Stringer, six team members bunked down at the store for several nights, keeping the doors open and ensuring guests had a warm, welcoming place to land.

In Jal, New Mexico, Pilot #1165 travel center GM Saul Posada faced storm-related challenges head-on. When a generator failed in team member housing, Posada moved the team into vacant housing units and personally refueled generators. Thanks to his leadership and the dedication of this team, the store continued serving guests without missing a beat.

Devon Jones started his very first day as a facility service team member, an important behind-the-scenes role, at Pilot #156 in Madisonville, Kentucky, arriving early despite several inches of snow. He said, “I can’t be late on my first day of work!”

Meanwhile, Rick Van Patton, facility service team member at Pilot #440 in Pendleton, Kentucky, walked more than three miles to get to the store so he could care for his teammates and guests.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change supports children’s health in Arizona through Concours in the Hills

Valvoline is supporting Concours in the Hills, one of Arizona’s premier automotive events. Now in its 12th year, the event brings together automotive enthusiasts while raising funds to support children’s health through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including Phoenix Children’s.

This event is held at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Concours in the Hills is recognized as one of the most unique car shows in the country, showcasing classic and exotic vehicles in a relaxed, community-focused setting. Proceeds from the event benefit Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Support Fund, helping advance research, technology, and child-friendly programs that improve patient care and outcomes. Since 2018, the Concours in the Hills community has helped raise more than 2.3 million in support of these efforts.

“Concours in the Hills is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose,” Brandon Hoffman, market manager, Grand Canyon, stated. “Our team is proud to support an event that not only celebrates automotive passion but delivers real impact for children’s health across Arizona.”

Hyundai America Technical Center and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital partner to promote pedestrian, bike, and car seat safety

Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) has donated $25,000 to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. This contribution will support C.S. Mott Children's Hospital pedestrian, bike, and car seat safety initiatives, expanding the resources available for established community events throughout Washtenaw County that promote safer biking and walking practices. 

"We believe that keeping communities safe is a shared responsibility," John Robb, president of HATCI, stated. "In partnership with C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, we're taking meaningful action to help equip families with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their loved ones. This support helps expand no‑cost safety resources and increases access to community events across Washtenaw County."

This contribution will support future community events and ensure that resources are provided to families at no cost. Participants at future events will receive, as needed, free car seats, properly fitted helmets, high‑visibility reflectors, and a range of educational materials covering pedestrian, bicycle, and passenger safety best practices. Additionally, HATCI employees will have opportunities to volunteer alongside the Mott Injury Prevention team to support ongoing community safety initiatives.

Autel donates TS900 diagnostic tablet packages to help equip future automotive technicians

Autel U.S. will donate 100 TS900 diagnostic and service tablet kits to ASE-accredited high school automotive programs nationwide. The company, which produces professional-grade diagnostic equipment, provides the tablets through its Autel Inspires program, part of the broader Autel Cares philanthropic effort.

High school instructors and program administrators can apply for a donated TS900 tablet by completing the entry form. The ASE Education Foundation will oversee the selection process to ensure the tablets reach programs where they can have the greatest impact.

The donation marks the launch of Autel Inspires, which provides students, instructors, and training programs with equipment, mentorship, and resources to strengthen technical education. The program supports workforce development by helping students gain hands-on experience with current automotive technology.

“Today’s automotive students are tomorrow’s essential technicians,” Chloe Hung, Autel U.S. CEO, stated. “Through our partnership with the ASE Education Foundation, we’re ensuring young people across the country have access to the technology and tools that power modern service bays. The Autel Cares initiative is about giving back to the industry that shaped us, and Autel Inspires is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that.”

About the Author

Jenna Hume

Jenna Hume

Digital Editor

Digital Content Specialist Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri. 

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