CARY, N.C. -- The Pantry Inc., a leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced the "Salute Our Troops" campaign, inviting customers in more than 1,600 Kangaroo Express convenience stores across 13 states to demonstrate united support for military personnel and their families.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Kangaroo Express, along with Salute Our Troops presenting sponsor PepsiCo, will invite store guests to make donations toward its $1 million fundraising goal. Funds 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 National Guard family assistance programs in five states.

"This summer's Salute Our Troops is an ideal campaign for the communities we serve to join us in support of the men and women who serve our country," said John Fisher, senior vice president of The Pantry. "None of us can thank our military enough for the work and sacrifices required to protect our nation and preserve our freedom, but we will never stop trying. We are joining our partners for 100 days of summer to show our united appreciation as we raise money for military charities."

The Salute Our Troops Jeep Tour will travel throughout the southeastern United States, honoring local military heroes and families along the route.

"Kangaroo Express and USO have something in common: we both like to offer service with a smile. We're especially thankful to our friends at The Pantry for creating this summer-long campaign to support our service members and their families," said Sloan Gibson, USO president.

Store guests will be encouraged to support the program with $1 donations. Customers will add their own voice of gratitude with "shout outs" of pride and appreciation by posting photos and videos on the Kangaroo Express Facebook page. Many will be showcased on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com.

"We are proud to join Kangaroo Express in the shared mission to show support for our troops," said Liam Fuller, vice president of marketing for The Pepsi Beverages Company. "This campaign will help many people demonstrate their pride for our service men and women, and it is a great articulation of Performance with Purpose -- PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we work, live and operate."

Among the other brands and companies supporting the Salute Our Troops campaign are Monster, Kronik, Oh Yeah!, Celsius, Activate, McLane, Real Tree, Red Bull, Lance, SNAPPLE, General Mills, KRAFT, Jackson Lewis, Lala, Nestle Waters, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Wilbur-Curtis, ECOLAB, Gilbarco, Jones-Frank, GSP Marketing Technologies and Lonesource.