ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Thanks to an overwhelming response, 18 tractor trailer loads of product are now on their way to U.S. military troops overseas, and perishable surplus products have reached Las Vegas-area organizations that assist those in need.

Following this year’s NACS Show in Las Vegas, exhibitors were encouraged to donate surplus products to the Operation Interdependence (OI) booth, which is the premier civilian-to-military delivery system in the United States responsible for sending care packages to military troops.

Along with non-perishable products, OI fills care packages with a variety of products, such as toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo, packaged small foods, dry drink mixes and pens and pencils. The packages also come with Ziplock bags, an important item that personnel use to keep valuables protected from sand, dirt and water to support the entire platoon or group. Show attendees were also encouraged to stop by the OI booth and write a letter of encouragement to U.S. troops

Perishable surplus items were donated to America’s Second Harvest and distributed to organizations and shelters throughout the greater Las Vegas area that help residents in need, such as senior care centers, day care centers, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, church pantries and drug rehabilitation programs.

The NACS Show 2007 will take place November 6 to 9 in Atlanta, Georgia. Be sure to check the NACS Show Web site for information about next year's event.