Through The Pantry's more than 1,600 Kangaroo Express stores across 13 states, store guests and communities have enthusiastically demonstrated united support for military personnel and their families. The overwhelming response so early in the campaign will inspire more donations throughout the summer. Donations [image-nocss] 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 five state-based military support organizations that benefit soldiers and their families.
McLane and Kangaroo Express have joined forces to empower communities to shine a spotlight of praise and gratitude on the military by enlisting donations at Kangaroo Express stores from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
"We are extremely thrilled and proud to be part of a program that is helping support our brave and committed military women and men," said Tom Sicola, vice president of marketing for McLane. "When the jeep stops at our various divisions across the country, our teammates will gather to demonstrate our support and patriotism."
For example, today, McLane's Suneast Division in Kissimmee, Fla., expects 400 teammates to assemble for the "Pledge of Allegiance," listen to a teammate sing "God Bless America" and take part in the "Salute Our Troops Shout Out." McLane Suneast also plans to hand out "We Salute You Certificates" to honor the Division's 46 teammates who have served in the military.
Kangaroo Express store guests are invited to make donations and give shoutouts of praise and appreciation to the military heroes in their lives and communities by posting photos and videos on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com. Feeding the appreciation is the USO Salute Our Troops Jeep Tour, which deployed on Memorial Day and will complete its mission on Labor Day. A fully restored 1952 Willys CJ-3 Jeep is touring the Southeast to honor military heroes and families along the route at Kangaroo Express locations and community events.
"This summer's Salute Our Troops is an ideal campaign for Kangaroo Express and our partners to support the men and women who serve our country," said John Fisher, senior vice president of The Pantry. "We are proud to have McLane join this campaign to provide an opportunity for our store guests to thank our military for the work and sacrifices required to protect our nation and preserve our freedom."
As of May 9, 2011, Cary, N.C.-based The Pantry operated 1,659 stores in 13 states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner. More than one-third of its employees have direct connections with the U.S. Armed Forces, either having served in the military or having a family member currently serving our country. Mmore than 10% of employees at Kangaroo Express stores and more than 17% of employees at the corporate offices previously served in the Armed Forces. With more than half of our stores located within 25 miles of a military installation, Kangaroo Express has supported the military and their families for many years.
With more than $30 billion in annual sales, McLane is a supply chain services leader, providing grocery and foodservice supply chain solutions for thousands of convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and military locations, as well as thousands of chain restaurants throughout the United States. With 38 modern distribution centers and one of the nation's largest private fleets, the company optimizes the purchase, flow and sale of products from thousands of suppliers to more than 50,000 locations. Every year, McLane delivers more than 10 billion pounds of merchandise to satisfied customers across the United States.
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