Veteran and truck driver hosts event to feed veteran companion dogs

A tractor trailer was filled from end-to-end with pet supplies for veteran companion dogs thanks to one US Army veteran and XPO Logistics truck driver.

XPO Logistics truck driver Donald Rolon served in the US Army, and so has some direct insight into the importance of veteran companion dogs. Six years ago, he decided to found an annual “Fill the Truck” drive aimed at gathering supplies and food for local animal shelters and ‘Circle of Change,’ a non-profit that trains companion dogs for military veterans with brain disorders. 

This year’s drive was held at The Home Depot in Rockford, Connecticut, where Rolan and other XPO volunteers helped collect 40,000 pounds of dog food and supplies, along with $2,200 in cash and an enormous $30,000 worth of goods from Illinois-based The Pound Bakery, a manufacturer of pet treats, making it a record year for “Fill the Truck.”

“We encourage our employees to take the initiative in finding creative ways to give back,” said Meghan Henson, chief human resources officer of XPO Logistics.

“Fill the Truck is a great example of how locally inspired volunteerism has grown into an annual event for the entire community.”