Lend a Hand Makes Final Stop in Charleston, W.V.

The “Today” show’s Lend a Hand series wrapped up June 17 in Charleston, W.V., culminating a weeklong $9 million charity road trip to benefit U.S. charities.

Penske rental trucks and “Today” co-host Al Roker delivered $1.5 million in donations to the Covenant House of West Virginia, a charity that offers services and educational programs to help individuals with the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.

Dustin Smith, Penske’s management trainee in Huntington, W.V., and Travis Founds, Penske’s district rental manager in Columbus, Ohio, delivered the donation-filled trucks to Covenant House. A long-time “Today” fan, Smith jumped at the chance to help with Lend a Hand and possibly meet Al Roker.

“First of all, the opportunity to be a part of the ‘Today’ show is really exciting,” Smith said. “Secondly, we’re happy to reach out and help the Charleston community.”

For the seventh consecutive year, Penske donated the use of 26-foot consumer trucks for the five-day trip.

“On behalf of Penske, we thank all of our associates and suppliers for their support and hard work over the last week,” said Randy Ryerson, communications director for Penske. “We especially thank Al Roker, NBC, the ‘Today’ show, and the Lend a Hand team for their close cooperation and for allowing Penske Truck Rental to be a part of this charity outreach effort. We congratulate Al Roker on 10 years of giving back to the community through Lend a Hand.”

Read about previous Lend a Hand stops:

Day 1: Penske Truck Rental Helps Today Show in Alaska

Day 2: Penske and “Today” Lend a Hand in Las Vegas

Day 3: Penske and “Today” Surprise Houston Charity

Day 4: Penske and “Today” Continue Tour in Birmingham, Ala.

 By Kandace Wertz