Boy Scouts Show Their Support for U.S. Troops Through Selling Popcorn
INDIANAPOLIS, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Boy Scout Councils across the
country challenged civilians to show their support of American troops serving
throughout the world, and America answered the call. Launched with the annual
Fall popcorn sale, the "Operation Popcorn" program invited Americans to donate
Trail's End popcorn treats to active duty troops and their families. Now, the
results are in -- and more than 197,000 Americans placed orders. (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080416/CLW054 )
The numbers are impressive:
-- 107 tons of popcorn has been shipped to Sailors and Marines throughout
the entire Pacific Fleet
-- 18,000 U.S.O. Care Packages of popcorn were sent to troops around the
world
-- 11,000 boxes of popcorn treats were delivered for the holidays to
troops deployed in Southeast Asia
The Scouts have partnered with SupportOurTroops.org to make the popcorn
deliveries. Even troops serving on the front lines are receiving popcorn
treats: -- Army bases in Afghanistan are receiving 21 loads of microwave
popcorn,
Gourmet Caramel Corn and Chocolatey Carmel Crunch
-- More than 6,000 cases of popcorn have been shipped to U.S. Army troops
stationed in Iraq
-- Army bases in Kuwait are receiving nearly 2,000 cases of popcorn
-- More than 1,300 cases are being shipped to seven Marine bases in combat
areas in Iraq
Troops stationed closer to home have received treats, as well. Local Scout
Councils arranged shipments to military bases in New Jersey, Illinois, North
Dakota, Georgia, Maryland and California.
"We know that it's important to the morale of the troops that they know
that we appreciate what they are doing for our country," said Martin C. Boire
of SupportOurTroops.org. "Sending a taste of home -- in the form of delicious
popcorn treats -- is a small way to show we care."
Every year Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts across America sell popcorn
door-to-door to raise money for Scouting. Money raised from the sale remains
with local Scout councils, and funds activities like camping and field trips.
While most Scout councils have completed their popcorn sales for this
school year, popcorn purchases for the troops can still be made through the
Trail's End Website, www.orderpopcorn.com . And, the Operation Popcorn program
will continue for a second year when Scout Councils kick off their 2008 sales
-- most Councils conduct their sales in the fall. For 2008, the Scouts are
looking to surpass this year's participation by taking more than 200,000
orders of treats for the troops.
About Trail's End Popcorn
Trail's End popcorn, sold through Boy Scouts as a fundraiser for local
Scout Councils, is known as America's Best Popcorn. It is produced by Weaver
Popcorn Company, one of the largest producers and manufacturers of popcorn
products in the world. An 80-year-old, family-owned company, Weaver Popcorn
distributes it products in more than 90 countries.
About SupportOurTroops.org
SupportOurTroops.org is a non-partisan, non-political civilian
organization, welcoming civilians, active-duty families, veterans and people
from all political parties. SupportOurTroops.org was founded to offer simple
ways for civilians to thank and show support to American troops serving all
over the world.
SOURCE Trail's End Popcorn
Cathy Yingling of Y&L PR, +1-317-264-5860, cyingling@yandlpr.com; or Doug Dent
of Trail's End Popcorn Company, +1-317-915-4030, Doug.dent@trails-end.com
