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Nearly 200,000 Americans Enlist in 'Operation 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 inNew Jersey,Illinois,North Dakota,Georgia,Maryland andCalifornia.

"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

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Nearly 200,000 Americans Enlist in 'Operation Popcorn'