During this challenging time in our country, millions of truck drivers are delivering necessities to our hospitals, grocery stores, and directly to our homes. At a time we’re facing a lot of uncertainty, one fact remains, our professional drivers keep America moving. While many of us are appreciative of the efforts of these drivers, one little boy and his mom found a really special way to say thank you.
Luke is a two year old boy in Michigan who loves big trucks. One of his favorite activities during social distancing is driving to his local Pilot with his mom, Carla, to see the trucks come and go and wave at the professional drivers. “He loves looking at the big trucks and the drivers always honk and wave back,” said Carla. “It really brightens our day.”
Recently Carla and Luke were enjoying their daily ritual when Carla decided she wanted to show her appreciation to these hard working men and women.
Carla called the store and asked the manager, Michele, if she could purchase 20 gift cards and have the team hand them out as drivers came in to make their purchases.
“When Carla called me and asked for help with her idea of giving gift cards to drivers, I was moved to tears. I let her know we would be honored to help her.” Michele said. A few minutes later, Carla purchased the cards and the team at store #596 began distributing them to drivers.
“The first driver to receive a card cried openly at the kind gift. Her truck had broken down, she couldn’t get her paperwork to clear, and she was just generally having a bad day. She was so appreciative! It was a moving experience to be a part of.” Michele recalled.
“The next driver couldn’t believe it at first— he thought we were joking,” said Michele. “When he left, he just kept saying he wished he could hug us all,” she continued.
“The third driver had not been home in eight weeks. His wife has an immune deficiency disorder and not only had she lost her job, but she couldn’t see her husband. He was so appreciative. When we saw him tear up, we knew we were witnessing something meaningful.”
The last driver to receive a card that day, Jamie, was surprised and happy, but what she did next touched the entire team.
“She gave me the card back, and asked me to give it to another driver who may need it more than she did. She then purchased two $10 gift cards so this thoughtful gesture could continue. Yes, I cried then too,” said Michele.
Carla told us she thought the gesture was an act of kindness the world could use right now. “I thought a gift card would be helpful so that they could grab a bite to eat or whatever they needed. We just wanted to show them that people care. These truck drivers are out there every day to bring us supplies.” It’s not just the professional drivers Carla and her family are thinking of however, she also wants to recognize mail carriers, UPS workers, and law-enforcement officials. “My husband is a corrections officer who has to go into work every day. We are thankful to all essential workers,” she remarked.
Carla hopes the trend of showing appreciation continues. She has encouraged more people to spread kindness either in the form of a small gift or with just a smile.
“We all need to do our part,” she says.
“This has been such an uplifting experience for my team and myself,” said Michele. With all that is going on in the world, it is easy to forget how important kind words and gestures are for so many. We never have any way of knowing what is going on with anyone else. Each of us has realized how important we are in the lives of our drivers and our work family as well.”
Michele also had a message for other Pilot team members across the nation. “For our extended Pilot Family, Team 596 would like to you to know how important you are to our guests. Our smiles mean the world to them, and helping drivers to feel at home in our stores is our gift we give to them daily. We are all in this together, and we will come out of the other side of this stronger, humbled, and more appreciative.”
Lastly, Michele wants to tell the drivers she too, thanks you for the work you’re doing to keep us moving. “To all drivers-we would like you to know how much we appreciate what you do daily—not just in times of crisis, but daily. We want to do whatever it takes to help your day go great, and let you know we care about you. Please stop by Store 596 in beautiful Port Huron, Michigan, and we will make sure you have a smile on your face when you leave!”
Thank you, professional drivers and essential workers, from all of us at Pilot Flying J.
