Festive cheer for drivers far away from home over Christmas

Lorry drivers who will spend Christmas in their cabs are to receive festive hampers from the public and coordinated by a Northamptonshire recruitment firm.

NN1 Personnel is asking for help supporting its HGV Drivers Christmas Act of Kindness appeal, which shows hardworking drivers unable to get back to their families over Christmas just how much they are appreciated.

The company said truck drivers were rightfully praised for their efforts in delivering essential goods to hospitals, shops and manufacturers during the Covid pandemic. However, as the country gradually returned to normal, it believes that the importance of the profession has faded.

As a result, NN1 is redoubling its efforts for the fourth HGV Drivers Christmas Act of Kindness. It is calling for donations, which can go towards providing gifts, food vouchers, festive hampers and other forms of support to truck drivers who are spending Christmas Day in their cabs, away from home.

NN1 Personnel founder Justyna Sodel said: “Truck drivers are unsung heroes. We care greatly about our own driver’s wellbeing and this extends to those across the logistics industry. With your help, we can make sure they know that this Christmas.”

Last year’s appeal saw 130 drivers receiving gifts. This year NN1 hopes to double the festive parcels which will be presented to truck drivers at Red Lion Truckstop and other service stations around Northamptonshire on Christmas Day.

Joint founder Damian Sodel added: “Last Christmas, some of the driver’s got quite emotional, with one driver saying it was beautiful and completely unexpected to have the people of Northampton present him with a Christmas hamper during his stopover at Red Lion services.”

Donations can be made via the HGV Drivers Christmas Act of Kindness JustGiving page at: https://gofund.me/78258533

Gifts or donations can also be left at the NN1 Personnel office on Wellingborough Road, Northampton, until Friday 16 December.