AVP Avon Products Inc

Avon Products, Inc./USO Join Forces to Help U.S. Troops Deployed Overseas Avon Products, Inc. and the USO to Hold a Care Package Stuffing Party on September 23, 2004 NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE:AVP) is joining forces with the United Service Organizations (USO) to provide its customers with the unique opportunity to unite in support of America's brave men and women in uniform throughout 2004. For only $10.00, Avon customers can sponsor an Operation Avon Cares gift set, which the USO program, "Operation USO Care Package," will deliver with a personalized message of support from each customer to service members deployed overseas. Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages addressed 'Deliver to Any Service Member.' Approved and endorsed by the Department of Defense, the Operation USO Care Package offers Avon customers a way to support the members of the U.S. Armed Forces separated from their families while fighting the war on terrorism. "These Operation Avon Cares gift sets help the USO bring a 'Touch of Home' to our men and women in uniform," said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. Included in the set are five indispensable toiletries -- deodorant, hand cream, bug guard, bath gel, and lip balm, over a $20.00 value. Gifts sets will be included in an Operation USO Care Package, which also contains other frequently requested items for the troops such as pre-paid calling card, disposable cameras, sunscreen, and baby wipes. Each donor can include a personal message of support and thanks. On Thursday, September 23, dozens of Avon representatives and USO volunteers will gather at Dam Neck Shifting Sands Beach Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The goal is to stuff 16,000 USO Care Packages in one day. USO will then arrange for the Care Packages to be sent to our service men and women overseas. "We are proud to support the Operation USO Care Package," said Maria Peninger, Regional Sales Vice President of Avon Products, Inc. "The men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces risk their lives every day and we are proud to offer our customers the chance to personally thank them for their service and sacrifice." Avon customers can sponsor the Operation Avon Cares gift set by contacting their Avon representative or calling 1-800-FOR-AVON. There's no limit to the number of care packages a customer can send, so support the people who support you -- the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services. "The USO Care Package program is possible because of the support of corporations like Avon Products, Inc. and its customers," said Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President and Worldwide Administrator for Operation USO Care Package. "With the support of Avon customers, service members around the world will know they have not been forgotten." About USO The USO is chartered by the Congress as a nonprofit charitable corporation and is not a part of the United States Government. It is endorsed by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception. The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. The USO operates over 125 centers around the world. About Avon Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $6.8 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women around the world through 4.4 million independent sales Representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon Naturals, Mark, and Avon Wellness. Avon also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry and apparel. More information about Avon and its products can be found on the company's web site http://www.avon.com/. DATASOURCE: Avon Products, Inc. CONTACT: Alesia Watson of Avon Products, Inc., +1-770-271-6455, ; or Beth Bradner of USO-Operation USO Care Package, +1-703-696-3261, Web site: http://www.avon.com/

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