(CARY, NC) -- The Pantry, Inc., the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeast, today announced $2.5 million has been raised by its “Salute Our Troops” campaign.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Kangaroo Express patrons were invited to make $1 donations toward its $1 million goal. That goal was achieved in just the first five weeks of the campaign on Independence Day weekend.

Half of the donations collected at The Pantry’s more than 1,600 Kangaroo Express stores across 13 states will support the USO. The remaining donations will support Wounded Warrior Project, honoring and empowering injured servicemen and women, and five state-based military support organizations.

The Pantry, Inc. is headquartered in Cary, NC.