10-4 Magazine December 2024

48 10-4 Magazine / December 2024 stuff, you can always purchase like new items that could also be given to others as gifts during this festive season – and typically, for pennies on the dollar, which will stretch your donation dollars. Most of our readers are working class folks and closely connected to their community. When we see a need or a family in need, we help. I mentioned earlier the flood victims in the southeast, but they are not the only ones who can use a lift. Too many of our own drivers have seen the freight dry up or the rates drop so far that they are close to losing everything. Look around, these truckers are closer than you think. One of the traits most often associated with truckers is the spirit of independence. They are not going to ask for help, even when their ship, or truck, is sinking. They will still be the ones trying to help others when they cannot afford to help themselves. That’s where you can make a difference in their lives. Financial help or organizational assistance is often welcomed. It’s true, there are far too many drivers who jumped into this game at a time when prices were out of bounds. The price of equipment far outpaced the return on investment, so now they are distressed. My, my, my how times have changed. These owner operators – and even some small companies – are upside down with truck payments, missing monthly gas and electric payments, and, in general, don’t know where to turn. If you have the means or money to help, step up, especially if they have small children at home. As Christmas approaches, do a little shopping for that family. Gift wrap it all and, on Christmas Eve, be a Secret Santa. Drop all your gifts in the dark of night with a simple tag signed “SANTA” – nobody needs to know who you are, and if no one knows, they can’t refuse the gifts. I don’t recommend climbing down the chimney if the door is locked. I don’t know the jolly old elf’s secret, since he could easily be mistaken for a modern day truck driver with his full rounded belly and rosy, red cheeks, but he gets down our chimney (I have a hard time getting a broom handle down it). Maybe Aunt Barb gave him a key or something, yea, that must be it! If you’re not sure what to get a family, try a gift card for a night out at a nice restaurant. Once again, size isn’t important, but I can guarantee your gesture will be very well received. If you don’t know what kind of food they like, go with the universal one size fits all gift – money or a gift card. When you’re at the bank depositing that settlement check, ask for a few larger bills in cash. I often slip a few bucks and a welcome home note into the pockets of the coats we hand out to our veterans. As that joyous season rolls around this year, be safe, be generous, and above all, be thankful for the many blessings you have in your life. Take the time to wish others a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year just as our savior, who was born on that special day, brought hope and love to people who were in need. The wise men traveled far and gave great gifts to the Christ child, and for this they were rewarded with God’s blessings, love, and peace. May all of you be blessed, know peace, and live with love in your heart! This is our gift to you from Aunt Barb, Penny the Pooch, and me. The weather outside may be frightful – it’s cold with snow swirling in the wind – but we are nestled by the fireplace, warm, dry, and snug in our humble home, filled with blessings in the north country. May God bless you as we have been blessed. What a gift! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night, 10-4! n 909-452-8064 • www.dcrinconline.com We also have the equipment for your crankshaft needs! 10557 Juniper Ave. Unit M, Fontana, CA 92337 D IESEL C AMSHAFT R EPAIR “Best in the West for Over 40 Years” Exchange Available • Hablamos Español • PU & Delivery SPECIALIZING IN: CAT • CUMMINS • DETROIT • VOLVO