CARY, N.C. -- Fundraising efforts to send military widows on a weekend getaway are in full swing at approximately 785 Kangaroo Express convenience stores throughout Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Customers can donate to the cause when they check out at Kangaroo Express convenience stores from now until May 20.

This is the third consecutive year that chain, owned and operated by The Pantry, is raising money in support of the American Widow Project (AWP) Get-Away outside Fayetteville, N.C. The Third Annual AWP/Kangaroo Express Golf Tournament at Anderson Creek Golf Club will be on May 19, followed by skydiving at Raeford Jump Zone in Raeford, N.C. The weekend escape will also include other activities.

"Kangaroo Express has been a significant partner with the American Widows Foundation over the past three years and has played an important role in our growth," said Taryn Davis, founder and executive director of AWP. "This year, we encourage all family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and general supporters to come help us and Kangaroo Express cheer on these brave widows as they skydive."

AWP is a non-profit; the AWP Get-Aways held throughout the year provide expenses-paid retreats for military widows from all over the country to connect, share stories and bond during an active weekend.

"So much of the sacrifice that our service men and women make is found in those they leave back home," said John Fisher, senior vice president of marketing for Kangaroo Express. "Kangaroo Express is proud to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice by providing the opportunity for their loved ones to enjoy a worry-free weekend where they can find support in their peers."

Kangaroo Express has raised $39,000 for the American Widow Project over the past two years alone.