ENCINO, CA--January 3, 2007
Operation Gratitude today announced that CheckersŪ/Rally’sŪ, the nation’s largest chain of double drive-thru restaurants, donated a brand new 2007 Dodge Caliber for the 200,000th care package sent by the non- profit organization since its inception in March, 2003.

The "revved up" Care Package was shipped by Operation Gratitude volunteers on December 16, 2006 and was received by Marine LCpl Jordan Richards in Fallujah, Iraq on December 29.

“LCpl Richards called me in California right after opening the package,” said Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude. “He was still in shock but very excited. LCpl Richards said this gift will change not only his life but that of his loved ones as well. I have had the privilege to speak to his family and they echo the LCpl's sentiments."

Blashek continued: "I thank Checkers/Rally’s for making a dream come true for this wonderful young Marine, who represents all our courageous troops who are so deserving of special recognition. Checkers/Rally's continued support of Operation Gratitude through generous contributions such as this and by its service as the official Drop-Off site for Patriotic Drive donations, ensures that Operation Gratitude can continue its program and expand our mission of putting smiles on more and more troops' faces."

“Our troops throughout the world know they are appreciated and supported at home when they receive their personalized Operation Gratitude care packages, which include items donated by Checkers/Rally’s employees and guests,” said Keith E. Sirois, President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. “Checkers/Rally’s is committed to supporting those who serve our country, and this donation of a car to Operation Gratitude allows our team members and our guests to do something especially memorable for our service members overseas.”

Operation Gratitude completed it's 2007 Holiday Drive on December 30, 2006, having shipped more than 56,300 care packages in just 6 weeks. The organization will kick-off the 2007 Patriotic Drive in May and expects to send another 50,000 packages at that time.

“Operation Gratitude and Service Members all over the globe are deeply appreciative for the support of American citizens and Corporate Sponsors across the country” said SSG Elizabeth Cowie, Operation Gratitude Military Liaison, who is scheduled to deploy to Iraq this year. “Together they let our troops know that Americans do care.”

Checkers/Rally's and Operation Gratitude members look forward to presenting the car in person to LCpl Richards upon his return to the States later this year.

"That will be a joyous day for all of us!" exclaimed Blashek.

Learn more...

Operation Gratitude ( www.operationgratitude.com ) is the California- based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization that sends care packages of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay and on military ships at sea. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people. For safety and security, all assembling of packages occurs at the Operation Gratitude headquarters in Southern California. Since its inception in March, 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 209,000 packages to American troops deployed overseas.

About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (www.checkers.com ) is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The Company develops, owns, operates and franchises quick-service Checkers and Rally’s double drive-thru restaurants. In 2005, Checkers/Rally’s was awarded two of the industry’s most coveted recognitions: Best Drive-Thru in America 2005 in the QSR Drive-Thru Study for Rally’s, and Nation’s Restaurant News Hot! Again Award for Checkers’ sizzling business performance. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR.