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Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Convoy 2026

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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

Garman’s

Dine In | Take Out

Established in 1954, EPC has been a trusted media source committed to uplifting the community by publishing good news throughout Lancaster County!

Our mission is to foster a sense of community and shared purpose among Lancaster County residents through the power of positive storytelling!

Tina Gring

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #98983 610-207-4055

tina.gring@ guildmortgage.net

Shawn Esher Senior

NMLS #301823

717-578-7861

sesher@ guildmortgage.net

Ed Pirrung Loan Officer

NMLS #131287 717-305-0054

ed.pirrung@ guildmortgage.net

Larry Greiner

NMLS #143180 717-314-2598

larry.greiner@ guildmortgage.net

Melinda Trent Loan Officer

NMLS #131372 717-468-6069

melinda.trent@ guildmortgage.net

Katy Sychterz

NMLS #183951

610-247-2894

kksychterz@ guildmortgage.net

Shelly Burkholder Loan Officer

NMLS #143147 717-333-8574

shelly.burkholder@ guildmortgage.net

Dave Fuchs

NMLS #392924

717-472-7845

dfuchs@ guildmortgage.net

Andy Cardina Sales Manager

NMLS #143174 717-333-5626 andy.cardina@ guildmortgage.net

Leighann

NMLS #920187

717-314-7910

lwalsh@ guildmortgage.net

Heather Shanaman

NMLS #1461986 717-330-4221

heather.shanaman@ guildmortgage.net

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