Students Get Set to Tour the Country with United Van Lines’ Discover America® Program

Charlotte, NC –   As students at Druid Hill Elementary get ready for the end of 2009 and gear up for 2010, they will begin a cross-country odyssey through a unique geography and history program offered by United Van Lines.  Courtesy of Hilldrup Moving & Storage, an agent of United Van Lines, approximately 225 students ranging from second to fifth grade will be participating in Discover America® -- a program which enables children nationwide to “tour” and study the geography and history of various U.S. cities via “Driver Dave”, a fictitious United van operator.

On November 17, a Hilldrup Moving & Storage driver will arrive at Druid Hill Elementary School.  Introduced to the students as “Driver Dave”, this van operator will explain the Discover America® program, discuss his job responsibilities and conduct a tour of his vehicle.  “Our driver is looking forward to meeting the students and teachers,” says Lyn Gardner, Director for Business Development.  “He is excited about sharing his experience touring the United States, as well as seeing the kids’ reaction to his 53’ tractor-trailer. “

Beginning in November and continuing through May 2010, “Driver Dave’s” route will “Transport” Druid Hill elementary students to 10 cities across the United States, including New York City, Denver and San Francisco.  Each month, students will receive letters from “Driver Dave” along with picture books, postcards and various other souvenirs, highlighting the significant landmarks and sites located in each city.  Students will discuss this material, calculate “Driver Dave’s” mileage and trace his route on a U.S. map provided by Hilldrup Moving & Storage.  In addition to receiving monthly letters, the students will have an opportunity to log on to Driver Dave’s web page, www.unitedvanlines.com/uvl/driverdave, and obtain updates of the routes followed and additional information on U.S. landmarks and attractions.

Students will also be able to keep track of Driver Dave’s side trips by logging on to www.unitedvanlines.com/uva/driverdave.

"At a time when so many children are struggling to learn basic facts about geography and history, United’s Discover America® program is an excellent tool to help teachers present their lessons in a fun and interesting way,” say Gardner.  “Our agency is proud to be involved with a program that focuses on the children and their education.”

Founded in 1903, Hilldrup is one of United Van Lines’ largest and most successful agency groups, operating nine facilities throughout Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with corporate headquarters in Stafford, Va., just south of Washington, D.C.