Dallas Cowboys Star Defensive End DeMarcus "Tank" Lawrence Teams With SNICKERS® To "Sack" For The Troops

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of football's leading sack specialists, Dallas Cowboys start defensive end, DeMarcus "Tank" Lawrence, has a knack for getting to opposing quarterbacks. SNICKERS® and Operation Gratitude are planning to tap into his unique talent, as well as his love of chocolate bars packed with peanuts, caramel and nougat, to help score a taste of home for Troops serving overseas this holiday season.

In the spirit of friendly competition - the SNICKERS® Brand is challenging Lawrence to score a sack during the Cowboys game tonight (Monday, November 5). If he prevails, Lawrence will trigger the donation of 20,000 "SNICKERS® Sacks" that will be included in Operation Gratitude's annual holiday Care Packages delivered to Service Members deployed around the world.

"Mars has a long-standing relationship with the military, as well as Operation Gratitude, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to showcase our appreciation to those who serve our nation," said Josh Olken, Brand Director, SNICKERS® Brand. "Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 2.1 million of their signature Care Packages, so hopefully DeMarcus can help rack up even more tonight."

Assuming Lawrence will reach the quarterback tonight, SNICKERS® and Lawrence will join more than 100 volunteers at Ford Center at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters in Frisco, Texas, to sack the SNICKERS® on Wednesday, November 7. Volunteers will include Mars Associates from the Waco, Texas, site where SNICKERS® are manufactured. In addition to sacking bags of products, volunteers will also pen letters of appreciation to the Troops to be included in Operation Gratitude's Care Packages.

"We're thrilled to partner with SNICKERS® and DeMarcus to deliver a sweet taste of home in the 20,000 Care Packages we send to deployed Service Members this holiday season," said retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel, CEO, Operation Gratitude. "With the passion and commitment of more than a half million Operation Gratitude volunteers nationwide, we are bridging the civilian-service divide and strengthening communities in tangible ways, making meaningful connections between those who serve and the citizens they protect."

For more information about SNICKERS® or the unique sack challenge, visit the SNICKERS Instagram page.

About Mars, Incorporated
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5(TM), SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners(TM). Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Operation Gratitude
Demonstrating that actions speak louder than words, Operation Gratitude, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides tangible ways to strengthen communities and bring together grateful civilians with the men and women in uniform who serve and protect them. Through its customized Care Package programs, Operation Gratitude has provided opportunities for countless Americans to say "Thank You" to more than 2.1 million of our nation's Heroes since 2003. On September 11, 2018, Operation Gratitude launched the BRIDGE Council(TM), joining forces with corporate and civic leaders to further bridge the civilian-service divide with a grassroots movement focused on hands-on volunteerism, expressions of gratitude, and meaningful engagements in communities across America. Awarded a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating from Guidestar, 94 percent of Operation Gratitude's expenditures go directly to programs that annually support more than 300,000 Service Members, their families at home, Veterans, and First Responders. To learn more, visit www.operationgratitude.com.

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SOURCE Mars, Incorporated