Trucker Buddy

Above and beyond expectations

Ben Robinson is great at remembering birthdays. Not only does he remember his own grown children’s birthdays, he also sends cards and five-dollar bills to each of the children in his Trucker Buddy class at New Hope Christian Academy in Memphis.

Teacher Whitney Jamison is im-pressed with Robinson’s involvement. “He goes above and beyond our ex-pectations in everything he does," Jamison says. “He’s always encouraging my students, reminding them to do their best.”

The students in Ms. Jamison’s class look forward to their Trucker Buddy’s cards for weeks before their birthdays. “Ben should win the driver-of-the-month award because he brought us chocolate turtles,” says Kelsey, one of the students.

Robinson also buys gifts for the children, such as pens, notebooks, balloons and key chains. He brings chips and salsa and homemade candy to share with the class and then lets them see the inside of his tractor.

First grade student Kylah says that Trucker Buddy Ben “is the best. He has two broken fingers, but we still love him.” The students are also impressed with Rob-inson’s monthly visits to their school, which is located in his hometown of Mem-phis. Robinson enjoys his visits, where he charms everyone from the secretaries, for whom he brings treats, to the parents of the students, who appreciate the attention he gives their children.

Classmate Antonio agrees and describes Ben as “a truthful man who believes in us.” Ben Robinson has made an impact on these children by adopting their class through the Trucker Buddy program in July of 2004.

Robinson is a company driver for Trans-port Service, Loudin, TN and is one of nearly 4,000 professional drivers who share their time with elementary classes throughout the world. The only criteria to be a Trucker Buddy is to be a truck driver willing to send a postcard each week to a class in grades two through eight. Drivers can find out more about the program by visiting www.truckerbuddy.org or calling (800) MY BUDDY.

Trucker Buddy Ben will receive a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of Multi-Media. Over the Road, Pro Trucker and InsideTruckingOnline.com are proud sponsors of the Trucker Buddy program.

Photo caption:

Trucker Buddy Ben Robinson and his class at New Hope Christian Academy in Memphis