‘We need to take care of ourselves’: Ride-share, delivery drivers learn about wellness, self-care as stress of the job increases
The surge in people choosing to drive for a living for rideshare and delivery companies was met with a pandemic of viral infections but also more crime on the roads, and drivers are struggling to balance the pros of the job, like flexible schedules, with the reality of the risks of being on the road.
chicagotribune.comAn Uber driver helped a stranded TikTok influencer after she was robbed during Coachella. In return, she raised over $240,000 for his family.
"It hit $1,000 in one hour and then $100,000 in 24 hours," Becca Moore said of the fundraiser that now has over $240,000. "I still can't believe it."
news.yahoo.comWoman raises more than $140,000 for Uber driver who helped her after Coachella robbery
Woman raises more than $140,000 for Uber driver who helped her after Coachella robbery File photo. After learning that the Uber driver who sacrificed his day to help her was struggling to support sick family members, an influencer turned to her fans for support. (Chainarong Prasertthai/Getty Images/iStockphoto)INDIO, Calif. — An influencer, who was robbed of her wallet and cellphone while at Coachella, is working to pay it forward to help the Uber driver who sacrificed his day to help her. #TipsForRaul ♬ original sound - becca mooreThe driver, Raul Torres, said he didn’t think twice about helping Moore. “Raul ended his Uber shift that morning to spend his day helping me, expecting nothing in return,” Moore said in the video.
wftv.comFBI: Man charged in Jan. 6 violence at Capitol turned in by Uber driver
WASHINGTON — A man accused of storming into the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 is facing charges after investigators with the FBI said they were tipped off to his behavior by a ride-share driver. Suspect in Jan. 6 Capitol violence turned in by Uber Driver Photo taken from video recorded inside the Uber vehicle showing Jerry Braun. The driver of the Uber reached out to the FBI about the conversation and provided video from inside the vehicle during the ride, NBC News reported. Using the images of Braun from inside the Uber, FBI agents said they were able to find evidence showing Braun physically struggling with police using a barricade, as well as threatening officers using an 8-foot-long wooden plank. Man charged in Jan. 6 violence at Capitol turned in by Uber driver FBI agents said they found this selfie on Braun's phone showing an injury he referred to as a "Souvenir from D.C." (FBI)During the search, agents asked Braun whether he wanted to tell them anything.
wftv.comUber drops COVID-19 mask mandate for drivers, passengers
Rideshare company Uber has followed the lead of airlines and has dropped its mask mandate effective today. Uber had required drivers and riders to wear a mask while using the service since May 18, 2020, Fox Business reported. Uber also has updated the “no front seat” policy that had customers required to sit in a vehicle’s back seat. >>Previous coverage: Federal judge voids national mask mandate for travelersMizelle said that the CDC did not justify the decision and did not follow procedures that left the mandate flawed, The Associated Press reported. Uber said in the policy change announcement that people may feel safer wearing masks so others should be respectful of that decision.
wftv.com‘It was horrible’: Consumer claims body shop was paid for repairs that weren’t completed
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A woman from Longwood contacted Action 9, claiming an auto body repair shop nightmare cost her thousands of dollars and left her without a car for eight months. READ: Moms Demand Action push for gun safety in wake of child shootingsViala blames Executive Automotive in Winter Park. Insurance records show Executive Automotive collected nearly $8,000 but failed to complete the claim. “I was so devastated.”Ulrich went to Executive Automotive in Winter Park. “Eight months later the repairs still haven’t been done?” Ulrich asked a man working in the shop.
wftv.comCaught on video: Dashcam captures moments before Uber driver shot, killed
Calvin Crew Police said Calvin Crew held a gun to an Uber driver's head, forcing her to drive before he shot and killed her in February. (Allegheny County Police)PITTSBURGH — Shocking video was shown in court earlier this week of the moments leading to the death of an Uber driver. >> Read more trending newsDuring a hearing this week for Calvin Crew, the man accused of shooting and killing Christina Spicuzza earlier this year, dashcam video of the Uber ride showed Crew holding a gun to Spicuzza’s head, WPXI reported. At one point, he can be seen holding the gun to the base of Spicuzza’s skull and holding her ponytail. Investigators said they used cellphones, license plate readers and traffic cameras to trace the movements of Spicuzza, her car and Crew.
wftv.comUber to add all New York City taxi cabs to its app
NEW YORK — Ride-sharing app Uber announced a new partnership that will have all of New York City’s yellow cabs appear on the app. In a news release, Uber announced it was partnering with Curb, a ride-hailing app for licensed taxis already in use in New York City. The two apps will now be integrated in such a way that riders will be able to book both Uber rides and taxi rides from the Uber app. The new partnership is launching in New York City, but the two companies plan to expand to other cities where Curb already exists. Taxi drivers will be paid according to ride-hail wage standards, which are set by the City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, and are on average higher than metered rates, Reuters reported.
wftv.comDoorDash unveils ‘Gas Rewards’ program for drivers
DoorDash Stock photo of various food-delivery service options - DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, Ritual, Caviar, and Grubhub - advertised at the entrance to a restaurant in Portland, Oregon, on Apr 18, 2021. Food-delivery service DoorDash on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, unveiled its 'Gas Rewards' program to help its drivers offset surging fuel prices without passing the cost along to consumers. (hapabapa/Getty Images/iStockphoto)SAN FRANCISCO — Food-delivery service DoorDash on Tuesday unveiled its “Gas Rewards” program to help its drivers offset surging fuel prices without passing the cost along to consumers. According to the company, drivers who qualify for both rewards programs could earn between $1.65 and $2.00 per gallon to offset gas prices. >> Related: Uber adding surcharge to rides, food deliveries amid surging gas pricesAccording to CNBC, oil prices hit $130 a barrel last week, lifting retail gasoline prices across the country.
wftv.comDoorDash paying back drivers to offset high gas prices
Delivery company DoorDash said Tuesday it will refund its drivers for some U.S. gasoline purchases to help offset higher prices at the pump. DoorDash said it will give drivers 10% cash back when they buy gas using DasherDirect, the company’s debit card designed for drivers. Gig companies are increasingly concerned about the impact of higher gas prices on their drivers. Earlier this week, Uber said it would start charging customers a fuel fee to offset higher costs for its delivery and ride-hailing drivers. Global supply concerns stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine are contributing to the higher prices.
wftv.comUber charging customers new fuel fee for rides, delivery
Citing record-high prices for gasoline, Uber is charging customers a new fuel fee to help offset costs for ride-hail and delivery drivers. The temporary surcharge will be either 45 cents or 55 cents for each Uber trip and either 35 cents or 45 cents for each Uber Eats order, depending on location, the company announced Friday. The surcharge will be in effect for at least 60 days, after which Uber said it will assess the situation. The surcharges are based on the average trip distance and the increase in gas prices in each state, Uber said. As Russia’s war in Ukraine has intensified, U.S. gas prices have reached record levels.
wftv.com‘There’s going to be collateral damage everywhere’: Effects of Russian oil ban will trickle down, putting Chicagoans under pressure
Chicago drivers braced for even higher gasoline prices to come as President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the U.S. will ban all Russian oil imports.
chicagotribune.comVolusia investigators waiting on Uber’s cooperation as more fraud victims come forward
The Volusia County sheriff said his office is now investigating five cases in what they’re calling a bizarre scam. The sheriff said schemers are using Uber drivers to collect money from victims and bring it to them.
Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday pay
Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits, the company announced Tuesday, March 16, 2021. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)LONDON – Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits. The ride hailing giant's announcement Tuesday comes after it lost an appeal last month at the U.K. Supreme Court following a yearslong court battle. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement.
Uber, Lyft team up on database to expose abusive drivers
Uber and Lyft have teamed up to create a database of drivers ousted from their ride-hailing services for complaints about sexual assault and other crimes that have raised passenger-safety concerns for years. The clearinghouse unveiled Thursday, March 11, will initially list drivers expelled by the ride-hailing rivals in the U.S. Michael Wolfe, a Uber driver who also leads a Washington state group representing about 2,000 other drivers, praised both ride-hailing services for trying to weed out the abuses in the industry. AdIt could also help appease U.S. lawmakers, who have criticized Uber and Lyft in the past for inadequate safety protections for their riders. After Uber rebuffed the request to protect the victims' privacy, the agency slapped the company with a $59 million fine.
Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employees
Delivery riders protest outside the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Wednesday March 3, 2021.The Spanish government announced on Thursday March 11, 2021, legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed. (AP Photo/Paul White)MADRID – The Spanish government on Thursday announced legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed, in a legal change that could have far-reaching consequences for Spanish businesses. She described the rule on disclosing how the digital systems work as “epic,” saying it “neutralizes algorithmic punishments.”AdThe legal changes are the latest affecting companies and workers in the gig economy. The Spanish government agreed on the new law with the country’s main business groups and trade union confederations. AdThe legislation was drawn up after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled last September that food delivery riders are employees, not self-employed workers, in a case brought by a former rider for Glovo.
UK top court gives Uber drivers benefits in landmark ruling
The U.K. Supreme Court ruled Friday that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and not self employed. The ruling that the drivers should be classed as “workers” and not self-employed is a big defeat for the ride-hailing giant. The seven Supreme Court judges who heard the case unanimously rejected Uber's appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that two Uber drivers were “workers" under British law. AdSan Francisco-based Uber, which has 65,000 active drivers and 5 million regular users in the U.K., had argued that Aslam and Farrar were independent contractors. AdThe British judges on Friday cited a number of factors in their decision: Uber sets fares and contract terms and penalizes drivers who reject or cancel rides.
Uber's 4Q loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recovery
In 2020, the ride-hailing service was forced to rely more heavily on its food-delivery service. But analysts believe Uber’s pioneering ride-hailing service will also eventually bounce back as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. He also predicted that Uber's losses may evaporate by the end of this year. The company’s ride-hailing service brought in revenue of $1.48 billion in the quarter, a 52% drop from the prior year. Meanwhile, revenue in Uber's food-delivery service more than tripled from the previous year to $1.37 billion.
Man with Florida tattooed on his forehead accused of calling 911 to ask for ride home
Records show 22-year-old Matthew Leatham, of Hudson, called 911 four times between 3:17 a.m. and 4:22 a.m. Sunday to ask for a ride home. [TRENDING: How to get a vaccine in Fla. | Wanted: Man accused of shooting at detective | Cops: Fla. man decapitated hamster]Ad“I’m trying to find a ride home. I (expletive) up, I’m trying to find a (expletive) ride home,” Leatham said in the first call. It’s only letting me call this number so I figured (expletive) I’ll call this number and I’ll pick up a Lyft,” Leatham said. I ain’t able to call a taxi, I’m trying to call a taxi,” Leatham said.
California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share vote
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2016, file photo, a ride-share car displays Lyft and Uber stickers on its front windshield in downtown Los Angeles. The California Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to the ballot measure that kept app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The court on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, declined to hear the case brought by drivers and unions who had opposed the measure. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)LOS ANGELES – The California Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit Wednesday that sought to overturn a ballot measure that makes app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. “We’re thankful, but not surprised, that the California Supreme Court has rejected this meritless lawsuit,” said Jim Pyatt, a Modesto retiree who drives for Uber, in a statement from a group that supports Proposition 22.
Uber will bring the booze after acquiring Drizly for $1.1B
The mobile ride-hailing company said Tuesday that it is acquiring the alcohol-delivery platform Drizly for $1.1 billion in stock and cash. Uber expects more than 90% of the sum to be paid to Drizly stockholders in shares of Uber common stock and the remainder paid in cash. Shares in San Francisco-based Uber jumped 7% in afternoon trading, to $56.42. U.S. alcohol online sales jumped 553% in April, according to NielsenIQ. AdThe acquisition gives Uber access to an established player in that space, which could be a leg up in the fiercely competitive food delivery market.
Maine company successfully launches prototype rocket
This Jan. 31, 2021 image provided by bluShift Aerospace shows The Knack Factory in Limestone, Maine, where an unmanned rocket lifts off in a test run. It was the first commercial rocket launch in Maine history. (bluShift Aerospace via AP)BRUNSWICK, Maine – A Maine company that’s developing a rocket to propel small satellites into space passed its first major test on Sunday. It’s carbon neutral.”AdThe goal is to create a small rocket that could launch a 30-kilogram (66-pound) payload into low-Earth orbit, more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) above Earth's surface. An attempted test launch in Limestone earlier in January was postponed because of weather.
Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measure
The measure, which was passed in November with 58% support, was the most expensive in state history with Uber, Lyft and other services pouring $200 million in support of it. “Generally speaking, courts in California don't like to overturn the will of the people,” Moylan said. There are instances where the California courts have come in and said ... it's nice that this is what the people wanted to do, but our constitution doesn't permit the people to do this." The law expanded a California Supreme Court ruling that limited businesses from classifying certain workers as independent contractors. Another claim in the lawsuit alleges the measure violates a rule limiting ballot measures to a single subject.
Uber offers free rides for people to go get COVID-19 vaccination
FILE - This Wednesday, June 21, 2017, file photo shows the building that houses the headquarters of Uber, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)Uber will offer people free and discounted rides if their destination is a COVID-19 vaccination. The ride-share company says it’s all in an effort to ensure people get vaccinated, especially those who face challenges with transportation. Uber is offering 10 million free or discounted rides to and from their destination for the COVID-19 shot. Uber says the organizations are all tied to communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Are public transportation, ride hailing services safe during coronavirus pandemic?
If you need to hire a car or hail a cab during the pandemic, consider a few safety steps. Masks are mandatory for drivers and riders using Lyft and Uber. Lyft instituted a health safety program, requiring everyone to agree to ride only if symptom free, to keep vehicles clean, ride in the back seat, and open windows when possible. “But of course, the big answer to that is wear your mask.”Joe Allen directs the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard University. Both Uber and Lyft suspended shared ride options in March, so you won’t be riding with any strangers in the back seat.
Uber's food delivery business outshines core rides service
Uber's food delivery business brought in more money during the third quarter than its signature rides business, showing just how much consumer behavior has changed — and how far the company has adapted — since the pandemic struck. Uber brought in $3.13 billion in revenue, down 18% from the same time last year. Despite the decline, the rides business showed improvement from the second quarter, when it brought in just $790 million. Uber’s food delivery business also brought in more revenue than its rides business in the second quarter, when demand for rides was even lower due to the pandemic. However, its rides business was more profitable than delivery.
Ride-hailing, delivery giants win fight against labor law
Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Instacart and others sought to get out of those requirements, and after failing in court, succeeded in convincing voters to give them an exemption from most of the year-old law’s provisions. A record $200 million spending spree by the companies and their supporters helped them win the vote. The investment yielded a huge return for Uber and Lyft, whose combined market value climbed by $10 billion on Wednesday. Uber told its drivers the company would let drivers know how to enroll in benefits in the next few weeks. “It’s not really fair that Uber, Lyft etc.
Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about drivers
FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2020, file photo travelers request an Uber ride at Los Angeles International Airport's LAX-it pick up terminal. A California ballot measure that would exempt Uber, Lyft and other app-based delivery drivers from being classified as company employees eligible for benefits and job protections led Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in early vote counts. San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of California if they lost. Opponents said the companies exploit drivers to keep profits high and the ballot measure would deprive workers of rights like overtime pay and workers’ compensation. Supporters said the measure would allow drivers to maintain the freedom to work hours they choose and would provide other benefits.
Asia tracks Wall St rally as markets shrug at election limbo
The benchmark index had gained 3.5% before the market lost some of its momentum toward the end of the day. The Shanghai Composite index rose 0.6% to 3,297.34. But after a tumultuous overnight session in global markets where Trump prematurely declared victory, markets acted as if the occupant of the White House might be secondary. It may take days for a winner of the White House to emerge, and professional investors say they’re bracing for sharp market swings in the meantime. Stocks tend to rise regardless of which party controls the White House.
Across the country: 5 noteworthy ballot measures that deserve some attention
To see what exactly the ballot measures are in each state, click or tap here. Below are five noteworthy initiatives we thought we’d mention from across the country. Mississippi’s flag redesignThe state Legislature in June eliminated the old state flag that had the Confederate battle emblem, which was widely thought of as racist. California’s app-based driving proposalThis initiative will decide whether app-based transportation and delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors or as employees. Colorado’s abortion banThis is a ballot initiative that will likely draw a lot of attention across the nation.
Suspected carjacker shot, killed after lunging at Florida deputies, sheriff says
LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. – Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot a suspected carjacker who came at deputies with a filet knife during a traffic stop Tuesday night in Palm Beach County, the sheriff said in a late night news conference. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the white man in his 20s had carjacked and stabbed an Uber driver earlier Tuesday evening in neighboring Broward County. Deputies stopped the vehicle around 8 p.m. and the man got out holding the knife, Bradshaw said. The sheriff did not identify or say how many deputies fired at the man. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office will investigate.
Need help getting to polls? Hertz offering free rental on election day
Hertz is trying to help you get to the polls this election season. The rental car company says on Nov. 2 or 3 it will give away one free day when customers reserve a car for two days. Hertz says this will make it easier for people to perform their civic duty. [TRENDING: ‘Smell of rotting flesh’ leads to body in trunk | How to celebrate Halloween during pandemic | 98 ‘murder hornets’ removed]Other transportation companies are also running deals on election day. Both Uber and Lyft are offering discounts rides to the polls.
California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
SAN FRANCISCO – A California appeals court on Thursday upheld an order requiring Uber and Lyft to treat their California drivers as employees instead of independent contractors, less than two weeks before voters will be asked to exempt the ride-hailing giants from the state's gig economy law. Uber and Lyft — who along with DoorDash have heavily bankrolled the ballot measure — had appealed an August preliminary injunction by a San Francisco judge. Uber and Lyft issued statements noting that the ruling doesn't take immediate affect and urging voters to approve Prop. Treating Uber and Lyft drivers as employees instead of independent contractors would guarantee benefits such as overtime, sick leave and expense reimbursement for workers who make up much of the freewheeling gig economy. Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business, arguing the companies are “multi-sided platforms” whose activities encompass much more than transportation.
Clermont man accused of rape faces sexual battery charge
CLERMONT, Fla. – A Clermont man is charged with sexual battery after Lake County deputies say he is accused of raping a woman. The victim made plans Monday evening to meet a friend at a restaurant on West Osceola Street in Clermont, according to the arrest report. Details in the report say Gonzalez began to flirt with her and make sexual advances, the woman told him she was involved with someone else. The Sheriff’s Office says the victim completed a rape kit in which nurses noted she suffered injuries consistent with a sexual battery. Gonzalez is now facing a sexual battery charge.
Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based drivers
Voters are being asked to decide via Proposition 22 whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)LOS ANGELES – Californians are being asked to decide if Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers should remain independent contractors or be eligible for the benefits that come with being company employees. Voters are weighing whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to drivers. The landmark labor law known known as AB5 threatens to upend the app-based business model, which offers great flexibility to drivers who can work whenever they choose. Uber and Lyft have maintained that their drivers meet the criteria to be independent contractors, not employees.
Uber gets 18-month London license after winning court appeal
LONDON – Uber can keep operating in London for another year and a half after winning its appeal of a decision by the British capital's transit regulator not to renew its license. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company had challenged Transport for London’s decision in late 2019 not to renew its operating license over safety concerns involving impostor drivers. Uber’s London license has been revoked twice since 2017 but the company has been able to continue operating while it appealed. In the latest case, Transport for London rejected Uber’s application in November 2019 for a new license, citing several breaches that placed passengers at risk. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that while Uber has made improvements to get its license back, the company will still be closely scrutinized.
Asian stocks mixed after Wall St rally ahead of US debate
Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)TOKYO – Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. Overnight, Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 index gained 1.6%, led by big tech stocks. “With a reasonable polling lead, one could argue that Joe Biden has more to lose here than President Trump,” said Carnell. He said with some potential for gaffes or other colorful moments, the debate might be “cringe-worthy but unlikely to deliver an electoral car-crash for either side.”On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose to 3,351.60.
Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to help
And just like every election year, it’s of the utmost importance that citizens cast their ballot in this year’s election. If you’ve registered but are already concerned about how you will make it to a polling station, the ride-sharing company Uber wants to step in and lend a hand. As Election Day approaches, and as part of its “Get Out the Vote” campaign, the company aims to help people find their polling location, as well as offer discounted rides to and from the poll during early voting. “As we look ahead to this year’s election, we are committed to doing our part to make sure every citizen has access to vote,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. Uber officials said as Election Day nears, people will begin to have access to important information in the app.
70,000 pounds of food donated by local organization at Camping World Stadium
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of cars lined up outside Camping World Stadium on Wednesday to pick up free food donated by One Heart for Women and Children. King said it’s been difficult the last few months at home and is currently driving for Uber to put some food on the table for her family. Angel Rosa and his wife showed up to Camping World Stadium hours before the distribution. A blessing is a blessing,” Rosa said. Last month, One Heart for Women and Children handed out 50,000 pounds of food to residents at Church in the Son.
Uber to require that passengers provide face-mask selfies
SAN FRANCISCO Mask slackers will now have to provide photographic proof they're wearing a face covering before boarding an Uber. The mask verification rule expands upon a similar requirement that Uber imposed on its drivers in May to help reassure passengers worried about being exposed to the novel coronavirus that has upended society. The requirement will roll out in the U.S. and Canada later this month before coming to other parts of the world. The additional safety measures are part of Uber's ongoing efforts to rebuild a service that has seen ridership plunge this year. The adverse conditions caused the number of trips on Uber during its most recent quarter to plunge by 56% from the previous year.
Central Florida couple takes the hassle out of Christmas tree shopping
It's like Uber for your Christmas tree, but better. Jerry and Courtney Jasmin started Tree Drop back in 2017 after Courtney had a rough time finding a real tree of her own. At the end of the year if you need the tree hauled away Tree Drop will come to get rid of it for you. The Jasmins say they take their old trees to Free Canes For Veterans which is run by a man that turns old Christmas trees into free custom canes for veterans. So, whether it’s a 5-foot tree or a 15-footer, Tree Drop said it is ready to help you get the holiday started.