Depart MPAA via Kennedy Court/Power Road 1. RIGHT on Auction Road 2. RIGHT on Junction Road 3. LEFT on Mill Road 4. RIGHT on S. Colebrook Road
5. LEFT on Mount Joy Road/772 at light 6. STRAIGHT through light at Esbenshade Road 7. RIGHT on 283 West on ramp
8. STRAIGHT on 283 West for 13 mils to Tollhouse Road Exit 9. EXIT 283 West at Tollhouse Road
LEFT on Tollhouse Road
LEFT on 283 West on ramp 12. STRAIGHT on 283 East for 15 miles
13. CONVOY ENDS at Esbenshade Road Exit
* IF DEPARTING AFTER CONVOY (trucks do not need to return unless specified):
I. 283 EAST: Continue EAST on 283
II. 283 WEST: EXIT at Esbenshade Road and make a LEFT to re-enter 283 traveling West
IF RETURNING TO MANHEIM:
A. EXIT 283 East at Esbenhsade Road
B. RIGHT on Esbenshade Road
C. RIGHT on Strickler Road
D. RIGHT on Mount Joy Road/772
E. Backtrack remaining route and enter MPAA via Kennedy Court/Power Road
Viewing Locations:
LCBC Church 2392 Mt Joy Road, Manheim 1:45 – 2:30 PM approximate time the convoy will pass by Messick’s 1475 Strickler Road, Mount Joy 2:15 – 3 PM approximate time the convoy will pass by
37th Annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy Introduces New Route for an Even Better Experience
The beloved Mother’s Day Truck Convoy is returning for its 37th year, bringing hundreds of trucks, generous drivers, and inspiring Wish Kids together for one unforgettable day of community celebration and support.
This year’s Convoy features a new 33-mile route designed to enhance the experience for everyone. The updated route lasts about 90 minutes and primarily travels on highway roads, reducing the need for travel through smaller streets and neighborhoods.
This change eases the burden on local first responders, improves traffic flow, and makes the drive more enjoyable for both drivers and Wish Kids.
The Convoy will depart from Manheim Auto Auction at 1:30 p.m. and travel west on Route 283 for 13 miles to the Tollhouse Road exit. There, trucks will exit and reverse course, continuing east on Route 283 for 15 miles to the Esbenshade Road exit before completing the route.
While much of the new route takes place on highways, supporters will still have exciting opportunities to see the Convoy in action and cheer on the drivers and Wish Kids.
Two fantastic viewing locations have been designated where community members can gather, bring lawn chairs or pop-up tents, and enjoy the experience together:
• LCBC Church, 2392 Mount Joy Road, Manheim
• Messick’s Corporate Office, 1475 Strickler Road, Mount Joy
The energy and encouragement from supporters along the route mean the world to participants. Many trucks proudly carry Wish Kids, and both the drivers and the children feel an incredible sense of joy and support when they see crowds waving, cheering, and celebrating their journey.
For more than three decades, the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy has united the trucking community and local supporters to help grant lifechanging wishes for children with critical illnesses. Each year, the event grows not only in trucks and participation but also in the spirit of generosity that defines it.
This year’s updated route reflects the Convoy’s continued commitment to creating the best possible experience for drivers, supporters, and Wish Kids, while also being mindful of community resources.
Show Your Support
Join the festivities, come out and cheer on the convoy. Send a Donation
Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction
1190 Lancaster Rd., Manheim, PA 17545
Free parking, free admission, free activities for families!
6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Truck Parking and Driver Registration
Breakfast available for purchase
Drivers may register the day of, however, advance registration is encouraged at www.wishconvoy.org.
8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Basket Raffle & Silent Auction
Pick up your items between 1 – 3 PM
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Wish Family Registration
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Family Fest
(family activities, food trucks/vendors, DJ entertainment, costume characters)
12:00 Noon
Stage Remarks and Wish Angel Remembrance
1:30 PM
Official Convoy Kick-Off and Departure
3:00 PM
Convoy Route Concludes
Who Are Our Top 30 and Grand Drivers?
Each year, the first 30 trucks that kick off the 33-mile Convoy consists of the 30 drivers that raised the most money in the previous year’s Convoy. This tradition of celebrating the Top 30 fundraisers at the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy began very early in the event’s history. Since then, this special group of men and women have raised millions of dollars for our mission.
Up until 2017, raising $1,000 was enough to qualify for the Top 30. Once raising “a grand” no longer guaranteed a Top 30 spot, we created the Grand Driver designation. Every driver that raises $1,000+ but does not qualify in the Top 30 earns the Grand Driver title.
Congratulations and thank you to our Top 30 and Grand Drivers! This group of individuals receive special recognition leading up to the Convoy, at the Convoy and at a post celebration event in September.
Tim Kauffman
Kenny Boughter
Martin Marc Forker
Aden Ebner
Richard Summers
John Lentz
Wendy Zimmerman
Marshall Gehman
Jocelin Kruk
Tim Weimer
Rick Steffy
Ben Maurer
Tyler Mullens
Brian Wise
Bob Gray
Gregg Hershey
Constance Puleio
Trenton Weaver
Matthew Commero
Jared Hollinger
$2,800.00
$2,744.50
$2,510.00
$1,992.00
$1,985.00
$1,932.50
$1,724.44
$1,645.50
$1,429.00
$1,381.25
$1,305.00
$1,200.00
$1,175.00
$1,155.00
$1,150.00
$1,120.00
$1,108.75
$1,100.00
$1,025.00
$1,000.00
Help make more wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses by supporting the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy. Every dollar brings us closer to another life-changing wish.
Donate today by visiting www.wishconvoy.org or scan the QR code.
for over 30 years.
Former Wish
At Make-A-Wish, we love when wish stories come full circle. This year, we’re proud to spotlight former Wish Kid Randy Gingrich, whose journey, from receiving a wish to helping grant joy to others, beautifully reflects the heart of our mission.
At 17 years old, Randy was battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when his wish was granted: a trip to Indianapolis to attend a NASCAR race and meet legendary driver Jeff Gordon. It was an experience Randy and his family will never forget.
As Randy recalled that unforgettable weekend, he shared how thoughtfully every detail was planned. A limousine picked up Randy, along with his parents and two sisters, and drove them to the airport for their flight to Indianapolis. From their hotel, the family boarded a bus with a police escort to the track, where they toured the pit and garage areas and saw the cars up close.
The highlight of the trip came when Randy and his family spent about 45 minutes with Jeff Gordon in his personal motorhome. They
talked, laughed, and shared stories… it was an intimate and meaningful moment with the NASCAR legend. Afterward, they watched the qualifying rounds from a booth before returning the next day for the NASCAR Winston Cup Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
At that time in his life, Randy’s wish had a profound impact. “Going through treatment and being able to do that – it just brought joy and happiness,” he said.
That joy is something Randy has spent years paying forward.
Today, Randy continues to support Make-A-Wish by sharing his story and participating in events like the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy. He’s driven in the Convoy, encouraged other drivers to get involved, and even welcomed an 8-year-old Wish Kid to ride along with him in his truck.
“He loved it,” Randy said. “I made sure I rigged it so he could blow the horn any time he wanted. He was just grinning ear to ear.”
For Randy, the most meaningful part of the Convoy is seeing the children’s reactions. “The expressions on the kids’ faces –they light up. They’re just so happy.”
Kid Drives Hope
Jennifer Davis, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, says drivers like Randy are essential to making wishes possible for local children.
“The drivers who take part in the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy are the heart and driving force behind this event. Their generosity and dedication make it possible for us to grant more life changing wishes for children throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Every dollar raised stays right here in our community, helping local kids and their families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. What makes this event even more special is seeing former Wish Kids and their families, like Randy, return to volunteer their time and support the mission. It’s a powerful reminder that a wish doesn’t just create joy in the moment – it sparks lasting hope and a spirit of giving that carries forward for years to come.”
When asked what advice he would give to children deciding on a wish of their own, Randy keeps it simple and heartfelt: “Do something that makes you feel happy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. As long as it brings you joy and makes you feel great, go for it.”
Come out to cheer on truckers like Randy at the 2026 Mother’s Day Truck Convoy on Saturday, May 9, at the
Manheim PA Auto Auction. Convoy drivers raise critical funds to help Make-A-Wish grant more life changing wishes for critically ill children. Whether you line the route to cheer on the truckers or attend the Family Fest – featuring free games and activities and the chance to check out some truly cool trucks – there’s something for everyone.
Hannah, Kenny, Ruth, and Maggie have been chosen as this year’s Convoy Ambassadors! In this special role, they will share their inspiring stories and motivate our drivers to raise funds, helping grant life-changing wishes for other children. On the day of Convoy, they’ll take center stage to give the official start signal, kicking off this incredible event!
Meet Our 2026 Convoy Ambassadors Hannah
Name:
Age: 13
Diagnosis: Stem Cell Transplant
Town: Lancaster, PA
Wish: I wish to have a puppy
Name:
Kenny
Age: 9
Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Disease
Town: Harrisburg, PA
Wish: I wish to go to the Marvel set in the UK
Name: Age: 13
Name: Age: 10
Diagnosis: Blood Disorder
Town: New Providence, PA
Wish: I wish to go Ft Walton Beach, Florida
Diagnosis: Brain Tumor
Town: Hummelstown, PA
Wish: I wish to go to Hawaii
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for
the Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy
The 37th Annual Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy is set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, and we need your help to make it a success! This beloved Lancaster County tradition brings together wish families, truck drivers, and community members to raise funds that help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to ensure the event runs smoothly. A variety of shifts and duties are available on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, so there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Whether you assist with event setup, registration, family-friendly activities, or logistics, your time and effort will make a meaningful impact. We can’t make
Volunteer Dates: Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9, 2026
Location: Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction
Thank You to the Convoy Committees!
This group of esteemed individuals are the backbone of the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy. Every year, they devote their free time, expertise and resources to ensure that each Convoy is better than before. Thank you to the Convoy Committee – you are truly granting life-changing wishes right here in the Susquehanna Valley!
Convoy Committee Members
John Wimer - Chair
John Show - Co-Chair
Tony Kulp - Co-Chair
Lori Dietrich - Make-A-Wish Staff Lead
Skylar Cavello - Make-A-Wish Logistics Lead
Mike Topham - Make-A-Wish Volunteer Lead
Diane Breneman, Finance
David Croll, Venue
Stacy Davis, Auction/Basket Raffle
Hailey Dougherty, Game/Activities
Heather Dougherty, Games/Activities
Jodi Greiner, Merchandise
Connor Lubold, Photography
Dick Mayer, Driver Representative
Kim McDonnell, Marketing
Daryl Miller, Driver Representative
Carol Nessinger, Security
Amy Nolt, Clowns
Mark Nolt, Clowns
Darel Seibert, Concessions/Wish Family Meals
Willie Wilhelm, Volunteer Meals/Wish Family Meals
Sandy Young, Volunteers
Leadership Committee
Carolyn Witwer - Chair, Penn Waste
Doug Groff, Scenic Ridge Construction
Jason Good, Good’s Insurance, A Trucordia Agency
Ryan Miller, Four Seasons Produce/Sunrise Logistics
Melissa Trucker, Oaktree Outdoor Advertising
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