Kangaroo Express, the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, operated by The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), today announced the fourth annual Salute Our Troops® campaign has reached its $1 million fundraising goal with a month left in the campaign. Collecting donations through its more than 1,520 Kangaroo Express convenience stores across 13 states, stores guests and communities have 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 this summer. Kangaroo Express will continue to invite store guests to make donations through Labor Day, ending on Sept. 2.

“We are thrilled that for the fourth year in a row, our employees and guests have shown their appreciation for these great military cause organizations in droves, once again reaching the $1 million fundraising goal prior to the end of summer,” said Gordon Schmidt, senior vice president of operations, Kangaroo Express. “We are rallying behind our guests and employees to see what else we can accomplish in the final weeks of the campaign.”

Since its commencement in 2011, Kangaroo Express’ Salute Our Troops campaign has raised $8.4 million dollars, breaking fundraising records for many of its beneficiary organizations.

Donations from the campaign will support the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, providing emergency communications, comfort and assistance to military, veterans and their families; Fisher House Foundation, donating “comfort homes” at major military and VA medical centers that enable military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization; the United States Veterans Corps, a corps of military veterans, spouses, dependents and patriotic citizens performing hands on community service with a mission and deployment attitude, as well as six state-based military support organizations.

The six state-based organizations benefiting from the campaign span five states throughout the Southeast and include the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Tennessee Auxiliary Soldier Airman Relief Fund, Florida National Guard Foundation, Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund of North Carolina, South Carolina Military Family Care Association and the USO of North Carolina.

For the first time, the summer-long initiative is holding Salute Our Troops “ROO Rides,” motorcycle charity rides throughout the Southeast, to drive hometown support and recognize military heroes and families in local communities along its route.

To see where Salute Our Troops ROO Rides will be headed throughout the summer and R.S.V.P. for a ride near you, visit www.KESalute.com.

To find a Kangaroo Express location near you, visit www.kangarooexpress.com or download the free Kangaroo Express mobile app at www.kangarooexpress.com/mobileapps.

About The Pantry and Kangaroo Express

The Pantry’s Kangaroo Express® convenience stores meet the daily food and fuel shopping needs of guests. As of July 30, 2014, the Company operated 1,525 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including its primary operating banner Kangaroo Express. The Pantry is one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains and the leading independently operated chain in the southeastern United States. The Pantry is headquartered in Cary, N.C. For more information, visit www.thepantry.com.

Kangaroo Express offers hot and cold beverages, snacks, fresh foods, gasoline and a wide assortment of merchandise and services for guests’ on-the-go lifestyles. It is home to more than 220 foodservice restaurants, including Dairy Queen, Little Caesars and Subway. Kangaroo Express associates are committed to providing store guests with the fastest, friendliest and cleanest shopping experience.

With more than half of its stores located within 25 miles of a military installation, Kangaroo Express has supported the military and their families for many years, including raising millions of dollars each year for military support organizations as part of its summer-long Salute Our Troops® fundraising campaign. For more information, visit www.kangarooexpress.com or visit us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.