Maxwell House, Country Music Star Trace Adkins And Rebuilding Together Revitalize Communities Across America

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With nearly 50% of Americans receiving government aid*, more families than ever before are in need and relying on local community centers for vital support. To inspire hope and bring change to struggling communities, Maxwell House is launching the second year of "Drops of Good: The Maxwell House Community Project" to help revitalize these crucial community centers.

In partnership with Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to safe, healthy homes and communities, and multi-platinum recording artist, Trace Adkins, Maxwell House is hitting the road in a specially equipped truck to revitalize community centers and deliver grants from coast to coast. Building off the momentum of last year's success, "Drops of Good" will:

• Ask Americans to go online to select three of 10 deserving community centers to receive up to $50,000 each in renovations
• Provide a $5,000 grant to each remaining community center
• Deliver ten surprise "Drops of Good" grants to non-profit organizations across the country
• Enlist Americans to volunteer at "Drops of Good" renovation events or with Rebuilding Together in their local community

"While touring the country, I've seen how communities are struggling in the current economy, and no matter what zip code I'm in, I feel the need to help out where I can," said Trace Adkins. "I'm proud to be a part of 'Drops of Good' because it is the perfect opportunity to roll up my sleeves and help communities in need."

"Maxwell House is serious about giving back and encouraging volunteerism, that's why we're excited to kick-off year two of 'Drops of Good,'" said Corey Provine, Maxwell House Senior Brand Manager. "We believe everyone can make a difference in their local communities and it's the simple things in life that can often have the most impact on those in need."

With the help of Rebuilding Together, ten deserving community centers have been nominated to receive the makeover of a lifetime. The nominated communities include:

• Baltimore
• Charlotte
• Detroit
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Orlando
• Pittsburgh
• San Francisco
• St. Louis

Beginning today through June 8, Americans can visit MaxwellHouse.com to learn about each community center and vote for their favorite to receive the makeover of a lifetime by the "Drops of Good" crew of volunteers and contractors. In June, Maxwell House will announce the three community centers Americans chose to receive up to $50,000 of major renovations. The "Drops of Good" crews will begin the projects soon after. The remaining organizations will each receive a $5,000 grant.

"We're thrilled to continue working with Maxwell House, as last year we were able to impact the lives of thousands of Americans through the 'Drops of Good' program," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Our shared passion for volunteerism and revitalizing neighborhoods allows us to further our mission of making monumental differences in communities across the country."

Please visit MaxwellHouse.com to learn more about "Drops of Good" and find local volunteer opportunities.

About Maxwell House
Maxwell House coffee (MaxwellHouse.com) is one of Kraft Foods' global billion dollar brands.  It was founded in 1892 by Joel Owsley Cheek whose superior blend of top-quality coffee beans was first served at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, TN. According to legend, the brand's well-known slogan, "Good to the Last Drop," was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt when he was served a cup of Maxwell House coffee at The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's former home. Today, the brand offers many varieties of Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Ground Coffee, Flavored Coffee, Instant Coffee, Maxwell House International and TASSIMO T DISCs.

About Kraft Foods
Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2011 revenue of $54.4 billion. Twelve of the company's iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually. On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business and a high-margin North American grocery business. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2012. A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index. Visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com and www.facebook.com/kraftfoodscorporate.

About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to safe, healthy homes and communities by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place and gulf coast reconstruction. For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. Media Contact: [email protected] (202) 518-3500

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/NY92553LOGO )

* U.S. Census Bureau statistic; government aid defined as receiving food stamps, subsidized housing, cash welfare, Medicaid, Medicare and/or Social Security

SOURCE Maxwell House