Kangaroo Express Achieves “Salute Our Troops” Campaign $1 Million Fundraising Goal

Campaign continues through summer as goal achieved well ahead of schedule to benefit military non-profit organizations

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced that it achieved the summer-long fundraising goal of $1 million in the early 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.

“We appreciate our friends at The Pantry and the many partners for creating this summer-long campaign, and look forward to continued success through the summer.”

“The response to the Salute Our Troops campaign has been amazing in communities across the nation. Achieving the goal so quickly gives us even more to celebrate as we enter the holiday weekend celebrating our independence and freedom our service members and families make possible every day,” said Kelli Seely, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the USO. “We appreciate our friends at The Pantry and the many partners for creating this summer-long campaign, and look forward to continued success through the summer.”

The overwhelming response so early in the campaign will inspire more donations throughout the summer. Donations will support the USO, celebrating 70 years of delivering programs, entertainment and other services to the military; Wounded Warrior Project, honoring and empowering injured servicemen and women; and state-based military support organizations that benefit soldiers and their families in five states.

“We are awed by the generosity and positive response from our guests, employees and vendor partners to this summer’s Salute Our Troops campaign. The growing enthusiasm and support to reach our goal so rapidly demonstrates how dedicated our communities are in supporting the men and women who serve our country,” said John Fisher, senior vice president of The Pantry. “As we celebrate Independence Day weekend, we proudly pledge our commitment to well exceed our fundraising expectations as our guests, communities and partners unite to salute our troops.”

Kangaroo Express store guests are invited to make donations and give shout-outs of praise and appreciation to the military heroes in their lives and communities by posting photos and videos on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com. Feeding the frenzy of appreciation is the USO Salute Our Troops Jeep Tour, which deployed on Memorial Day and will complete its mission on Labor Day. You can view current salutes showcased on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com.

A fully-restored 1952 Willys CJ-3 Jeep is touring the Southeast to honor military heroes and families along the route at Kangaroo Express locations and community events. The Salute Our Troops Jeep Tour made its first stops in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida through June. The Jeep will continue its trek throughout the Southeast as it celebrates Independence Day in Alachua, Fla. at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

Fans can track the next leg of the Jeep Tour on Kangaroo Express’ Facebook and Twitter accounts. The tour is scheduled for additional stops in South Carolina at Myrtle Beach and Charleston, Charlotte, N.C., and in Florida at Gainesville, Jacksonville and Orlando through the next two months.

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 9, 2011, the Company operated 1,659 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 gasoline and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.

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. For example, Kangaroo Express sponsored the Indy 500 Centennial Tour of legendary Indy drivers visiting U.S. military bases in Europe and the Middle East and an aircraft carrier at sea. Kangaroo Express has also sponsored the annual American Widow Project / Kangaroo Express Golf Tournament for the past three years in support of the widows of fallen military. For more information about Kangaroo Express, please visit www.kangarooexpress.com. For more information about the Salute Our Troops campaign, please visit www.KESalute.com.