The Kangaroo Express “Salute Our Troops” caravan will be stopping in Charlotte from Sunday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 29. In just the first three weeks of its “Salute Our Troops®” campaign, Kangaroo Express has already raised $1 million for the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and six state-based military support organizations.
The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced that it raised $1 million in just the first three weeks of its “Salute Our Troops®” campaign. Through The Pantry’s more than 1,600 Kangaroo Express stores across 13 states, store guests and communities have enthusiastically demonstrated united support for military personnel and their families.
Every penny of the $1 million raised can be attributed to incremental dollar donations made at Kangaroo Express checkout counters. The overwhelming response so early in the campaign will inspire more donations throughout the summer. Donations from the campaign will support the USO, lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families; Wounded Warrior Project, honoring and empowering injured servicemen and women; and six state-based military support organizations.
In its inaugural year, the 2011 Salute Our Troops campaign raised $2.5 million dollars, breaking fundraising records for many beneficiary organizations, including the largest grassroots fundraising initiative in the USO’s 70-year history. In that year, the $1 million milestone was reached after five weeks of fundraising.
“As soon as it seems that the generosity and enthusiasm from our guests and employees to the Salute Our Troops campaign is at its peak, we are in awe as they reach one step higher. Reaching our goal so early truly could not have been possible without these individuals, especially our valued employees, who are devoted to sharing the Salute Our Troops mission to customers every day,” said John Fisher, senior vice president of marketing, merchandising and restaurant operations, Kangaroo Express. “We are thrilled that our employees and customers share our constant appreciation for these great military cause organizations.”
The six state-based organizations benefiting cover five states throughout the Southeast and include the Enlisted Association of National Guard of Tennessee Auxiliary Soldier Airman Relief Fund Inc., Florida National Guard Foundation, Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, South Carolina Military Family Care Association, and the United States Veterans Corps based in North Carolina.
Salute Our Troops celebrations started in Jacksonville, Fla., and will continue to be held at Kangaroo Express stores throughout the southeastern United States led by the Salute Our Troops Caravan.
Celebrations include custom patriotic vehicles and the Salute Our Troops Command Center, where store guests will add their own voice of gratitude with “shout outs” of pride and appreciation. Many will be showcased on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com to share with troops and families around the world.
For more information, and to find a celebration near you, visit the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com.
About The Pantry and Kangaroo Express
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of May 7, 2012, the Company operated 1,607 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express®, its primary operating banner. The Pantry’s stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as fuel and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.
For more information, visit www.kangarooexpress.com. With more than half of our stores located within 25 miles of a military installation, Kangaroo Express has supported the military and their families for many years, most recently raising $2.5 million for the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and local military support organizations as part of its summer-long “Salute Our Troops®” fundraising campaign. 
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of May 7, 2012, the Company operated 1,607 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express®, its primary operating banner. The Pantry’s stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as fuel and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.
For more information, visit www.kangarooexpress.com. With more than half of our stores located within 25 miles of a military installation, Kangaroo Express has supported the military and their families for many years, most recently raising $2.5 million for the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and local military support organizations as part of its summer-long “Salute Our Troops®” fundraising campaign.
