ACAS American Capital, Ltd.

Operation USO Care Package Program Seeks America's Help to Reach Milestone of 2 Million Care Packages Sent to Troops REVERE, Mass. and ARLINGTON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With approximately 2.6 million service men and women in uniform serving overseas this July 4th, the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) and Sweethearts(R), the official candy of love(TM), are asking Americans to express their thanks to the troops who fight for our independence every day. During its six-year history, the Operation USO Care Package (OUCP) program has shipped more than 1.6 million care packages to our men and women in uniform. With the help of its newest corporate sponsor, Sweethearts, the OUCP program is seeking to reach 2 million care packages sent by the end of 2009. The OUCP is asking for America's help to reach its goal. Sponsoring a care package with reminders of home and a personalized letter of gratitude is a simple and meaningful way to support the troops overseas, many of whom are serving their third or fourth tour of duty away from home this July 4th. For every $25 donation received, the OUCP program sends a care package valued at $75 to a deployed member of the military. New this summer, the Sweethearts brand unveiled Red, White & You Sweethearts in partnership with the USO. These new red, white and blue candy hearts, featuring patriotic phrases, will be featured in OUCP care packages shipped this summer to further support the troops. In addition, the Sweethearts brand has provided a $75,000 commitment to the USO to benefit the OUCP program. According to Sloan D. Gibson, USO president and CEO, "Through the generous support of our corporate sponsors and individuals, the OUCP program continues to send some 25,000 care packages a month to our dedicated men and women in uniform. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, we are urging Americans to recognize the importance of expressing their gratitude to the troops by helping us reach our goal of 2 million care packages delivered." A Web site for individuals to make their own donation to the OUCP program has been set up at http://www.uso.org/sweethearts. Care packages sent this summer will feature the new Red, White & You Sweethearts in addition to standard items including grooming products, food, games, international calling cards, and other items requested and needed by the troops. Founded in 1866, the New England Confectionery Company, one of America's oldest continuously operating candy companies, has a long history of bringing candy to our troops. NECCO Wafers were sent to soldiers in World War II and now Red, White & You Sweethearts will be sent to troops in the U.S. and overseas through a partnership with the USO. Americans nationwide can taste the new Sweethearts at their own patriotic celebrations from now through the Labor Day holiday, according to Jacqueline Hague, New England Confectionery Company Vice President. "Our new Red, White & You Sweethearts provide Americans with a new way of expressing their thanks and love to our troops with sweet reminders of home." Sweet Simple Sayings The new Red, White & You Sweethearts display 13 heartfelt phrases, including "I (heart) USA," "Glory," "My Hero," "Miss You," "Proud of U," "Thank You," "USO," "Honor," "I (heart) You," "Brave One," "Home Safe," "Valor," and "Proud." Featuring all-American flavors, including strawberry, blueberry and vanilla creme, the new candies also offer a softer and tastier creme flavor in an array of patriotic colors -- red, white and blue. About the USO The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined millions of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/. About The New England Confectionery Company The New England Confectionery Company (http://www.necco.com/) was founded in 1847 and is the longest running, multi-line candy company in the United States. With more than 160 years of history, the New England Confectionery Company's popular brands include: Sweethearts(R), NECCO Wafers(R), Mary Jane, Clark, Haviland(R), Canada Mints(R), Skybar(R), Squirrel Nut Zippers(R), Cafe Select(R), Mighty Malts(R), Candy House(R), Masterpieces(R) and Candy Cupboard(R). Today, the New England Confectionery Company is a leader in seasonal products, particularly for Valentine's Day, and also manufactures well-loved everyday products. More than 500 confectionery items are produced at the company's state-of-the-art headquarters in Revere, MA, which has consistently received a Superior rating from the American Institute of Baking. The New England Confectionery Company also produces private label products and performs contract manufacturing for other confectionery companies. American Capital, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACAS) acquired the New England Confectionery Company in 2007. DATASOURCE: New England Confectionery Company CONTACT: Danielle Sullivan for the New England Confectionery Company, +1-617-536-3300, ; or Travis Burgin of United Service Organizations, Inc., +1-703-740-4982, Web Site: http://www.necco.com/

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