Special to The Post-Searchlight

The Pantry, Inc., the parent company of the Kangaroo Express chain of convenience stores, recently announced its summer-long “Salute Our Troops” fundraising campaign raised $3.17 million, surpassing the total number of funds raised during the inaugural 2011 campaign, according to a company press release.

In celebration of the campaign’s overwhelming success, military personnel, veterans, cause partner volunteers, sponsors, employees, and their families will gather on Oct. 3 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., for the Salute Our Troops check presentation event.

From Independence Day through Labor Day, Kangaroo Express invited store guests to make donations to the campaign and empower communities to shine a spotlight of praise and gratitude on the military. Through The Pantry’s more than 1,500 Kangaroo Express stores across 13 states, customers and communities enthusiastically demonstrated united support for military personnel and their families.

“Kangaroo Express guests and associates elevated the Salute Our Troops campaign to unprecedented levels this summer. It is their enthusiasm and passion that shows we, as a community, are here to support our troops and their families,” said John Fisher, senior vice president of marketing, merchandising and restaurant operations for Kangaroo Express. “This significant donation builds on Kangaroo Express’ ongoing commitment and gratitude for the sacrifices required to protect our nation and preserve our freedom. We look forward to continuing to work with our sponsors, sales associates and store guests to support our servicemen and women and their families all year long.”

Donations from the campaign will directly support the USO, lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families around the world; Wounded Warrior Project, honoring and empowering injured servicemen and women; and six state-based military support organizations.

More than 200 Salute Our Troops celebrations were held at Kangaroo Express stores and community events throughout the southeastern United States led by the Salute Our Troops Caravan. Celebrations included custom military vehicles and the Salute Our Troops Command Center, where store guests had the opportunity to add their own voice of gratitude with “shout-outs” of pride and appreciation. More than 3,000 “shout-outs” are showcased on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com to share with troops and families around the world.