Got syrup?
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: March 28, 2009
SOUTH ROYALTON — Residents and sugar makers are being asked to help send a taste of home to soldiers overseas during Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness 2009.
The Vermont Sugar Makers' Association is asking maple syrup producers to donate one gallon to send to soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The project is now in its fifth year and last year it shipped 8,000 pints to bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The syrup goes to the dining facilities," said Mary Croft, treasurer of the Vermont Sugar Makers' Association "It's there for when they go through chow line to put on their pancakes, french toast or cereal."
Croft said the syrup is available to all soldiers, not just those from Vermont.
Sugar makers are encouraged to bring one gallon of syrup to drop-off points around the state. Anne Rose, co-owner of the Green Mountain Sugar House, one of the drop-off points, said the syrup was a hit with the soldiers last year.
"I know they had many e-mails (from the soldiers) about how good this was," Rose said.
Rose said donations come not just from sugar makers, but from the manufacturer of the syrup containers, and financial contributions from the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion.
The public is also invited to donate money, Croft said, and can make a credit card payment by calling 763-7435 or send a check to 491 East Barnard Road. South Royalton, Vt. 05068.
Croft said there would be a bigger push next year as more Vermont troops are deployed to Afghanistan. About 1,800 Vermont Army National Guard troops are expected to be deployed late this year.
Drop-off points include C.H. Grimm in Rutland; Richard Green in Poultney; Gateway Motors in White River Junction; Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow; Mary Croft in East Barnard; Franklin Geist in Saxtons River and the UVM Extension Office In Brattleboro.
The deadline to drop off syrup is May 1. For more information, visit www.vermontmaple.org.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
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