Five Good Things: Trucking community honors highway heroism, military service members, and women drivers

GM partners with Disney Imagination Campus and DonorsChoose to give back to America’s teachers

General Motors, Disney Imagination Campus, and education nonprofit DonorsChoose came together for Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate educators and expand access to classroom resources.

The collaboration kicked off at Walt Disney World Resort, where 15 elementary, middle, and high school teachers from across the U.S. were honored as part of the Disney Imagination Campus and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” Teachers Celebration. GM and DonorsChoose awarded $150,000 in funding to the 15 honorees, who will use it to “pay it forward” and support other educators in their communities. The funding will help bring new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics)-related projects to life in classrooms across the country—from hands-on science labs and robotics kits to art, design, and technology experiences.

“Teachers light the spark that inspires the next generation of engineers, designers, and problem-solvers,” Kristen Puchek, VP of corporate citizenship at General Motors, said. “General Motors is proud to partner with Disney and DonorsChoose to celebrate their impact and help to ensure they have the resources and recognition they deserve.”

To broaden this impact for Teacher Appreciation Week, GM is partnering with DonorsChoose to support classrooms nationwide by launching a $1.1 million matching-gift campaign that invites others to help address teachers’ STEAM needs.

Truckload Carriers Association names Nigel Hunt a TCA Highway Angel

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Nigel Hunt, a professional driver with ABF Freight, a TCA Highway Angel for his response following a rollover crash.

On April 11, Hunt was traveling westbound on Interstate 58 near Tehachapi, California, when he noticed a cloud of dust ahead. He saw that a Honda sedan had rolled over onto the right shoulder of the highway.

“I saw a dust cloud and checked the shoulder, and the vehicle was upside down,” Hunt said. “I put on my hazards, grabbed my flashlight, and went over to check on him.”

Hunt located the man involved in the crash and conducted a concussion check, noting signs of disorientation. He then contacted state authorities and remained with the individual until emergency responders arrived, providing support and monitoring their condition.

“He looked shell-shocked, and I could tell something wasn’t right,” Hunt said. “Even though he didn’t think he needed help, I called emergency services anyway—better safe than sorry, especially with adrenaline.”

Valvoline awards inaugural Happy to Help grants

Valvoline recently revealed the recipients of its inaugural Happy to Help grants, administered in partnership with the Blue Grass Community Foundation. In total, Valvoline is awarding $150,000 across Fayette County, Kentucky, to support seven organizations launching or expanding initiatives focused on children’s health and mental well-being.

“Happy to Help is about creating lasting impact where our people live and work,” Lori Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline, stated. “We’re delighted to support organizations bringing fresh solutions to urgent challenges in children’s health and mental well-being while also helping more kids access the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.”

The following recipients received grants:

• Fayette County Public Schools: A new middle school program focused on student health and wellness.
• Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families: Expansion of grief counseling services, including support for alternative school students.
• Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass: Continued health and mental health services for sexually abused children.
• KVC Kentucky: A new program designed to help prevent adolescent psychiatric hospitalization.
• Living Arts & Science Center: Creation of the Stillness Space, an outdoor healing and reflection area for teenagers.
• Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky: New individual and group art therapy opportunities.
• Lexington Children’s Theatre: Empathy in Action, a new drama-based anti-bullying program.

Pilot and Miles of Good Foundation honor service members this Military Appreciation Month

This May, Pilot and the Miles of Good Foundation, an independent private foundation formed and funded by Pilot, are honoring Military Appreciation Month by continuing their support for service members and veteran-focused nonprofit organizations. Pilot is also offering exclusive deals throughout May at its travel centers for eligible service members.

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, the Miles of Good Foundation is donating $125,000 to Hire Heroes USA to advance its mission of providing personalized employment assistance for service members and their spouses as they transition to the civilian workforce.

“Pilot’s long-standing support as an employer partner since 2018 has played a meaningful role in helping veterans and military spouses build successful civilian careers,” Ross Dickman, CEO of Hire Heroes USA, said. “With the additional contribution from Miles of Good Foundation, we will be able to connect thousands of service members with personalized career support that leads to meaningful employment opportunities. Partnerships like this are critical to our mission and help create lasting pathways to economic stability for those who have served.” 

Since the Miles of Good Foundation was launched in 2026, it has contributed nearly $400,000, adding to the more than $4.4 million Pilot has given since 2020, to assist military members, veterans, and their families through education, career development, and community programs.

“Those who serve our country bring an extraordinary sense of purpose, leadership, and commitment to every stage of life,” Meg Counts, president of the Miles of Good Foundation and director of corporate giving and events at Pilot, said. “By supporting Hire Heroes USA and other trusted nonprofit partners, Miles of Good Foundation is proud to help military members, veterans, and their families build strong futures beyond service while showing them how much their sacrifices truly matter.”