Contacts:
Catherine Stevens, www.vermontmaple.org, (802) 899-9926
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Underhill Center—Vermont maple syrup producers are each being asked to donate one gallon of syrup in order to send a taste of Vermont springtime to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the sixth year, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association is organizing “Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness 2010”. The volunteers will package the donated syrup into one pint containers and ship them to bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year, the campaign is focusing on “Vermonters giving to Vermonters” with the goal of sending syrup to each of the Vermont National Guard troops newly deployed to Afghanistan as well as existing troops in the field.

The syrup sent last year resulted in numerous heartfelt e-mails from the troops.
• “Thank you for the effort that people in Vermont went through with Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness.”
• “Thanks for the reminder of good things from back home.”
• “The syrup was on the breakfast line and was a big hit with my friends and me.”
• “Thanks for thinking of us and please let the rest of your co-workers know that their actions are appreciated here.”

“Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness 2010” is a team effort between Vermont maple producers, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, the Vermont Maple Foundation, the Vermont Maple Industry Council, Sugar Hill Containers, the Vermont Maple Festival, Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, and Vermont Agency of Agriculture. The Vermont syrup producers want to thank the many other individuals and businesses who supported this project last year and welcome new sponsors for this year’s project.

The deadline for donations of syrup is May 3 in order to have the syrup in the soldiers’ hands by Memorial Day. Maple syrup producers are encouraged to donate one gallon of their best syrup and take it to the drop-off locations listed below and on www.vermontmaple.org. The general public may also donate to help defray shipping costs. For more information about sponsorships call Sam Cutting IV at (802) 425-3971 and for syrup donations call Rick Marsh (802) 644-5482. Anyone wishing to may send a donation to: Mary Croft, Treasurer, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, 491 East Barnard Road, S. Royalton, VT, 05068.

Drop-off Points for Syrup (deadline is May 3):

Addison County
• Dakin Farm, Ferrisburgh
• Rheaume Kitchen & Flooring Center, Inc., 2106 Rte 7, South Middlebury

Bennington County
• Merck Forest, 9am-4 pm, Rupert
• Whitman’s Feed Store, Bennington

Caledonia County
• Maple Grove, St Johnsbury
Chittenden County
• Depot Home & Garden, Essex Junction
• Peter Purinton, Huntington

Franklin County
• VMSMA's Booth at the Vermont Maple Festival - St. Albans
• CDL/Maple Pro - St. Albans
• Leader Evaporator - Swanton
• Lapierre – Swanton
• Dominion & Grimm - Fairfax

Lamoille County
• Vermont Maple Outlet - Jeffersonville
• UVM Extension Office - Morrisville (Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm)
• Butternut Mountain Farm Store, Johnson

Orange County
• Roger Palmer - Randolph Center
• Central Supply - Randolph

Orleans County
• Couture's Maple Shop - Westfield
• Farm Yard Store - Derby
• Desmarias Equipment - Orleans

Rutland County
• C.H. Grimm – Rutland
• Richard Green--Poultney

Washington County
• Agency of Agriculture-- Montpelier
• Goodrich Maple Farm—Cabot
• Morse Farm--Montpelier

Windham County
• Franklin Geist - Saxtons River
• UVM Extension Office - Brattleboro (Open Monday Friday 8am - 4:30pm)
• Bascom Maple Farms – Alstead, NH

Windsor County:
• Gateway Motors, White River Jct
• Mary Croft, East Barnard
• Green Mountain Sugar House, Ludlow