Kangaroo Express, the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, operated by The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), today announced it is partnering with Coca-Cola® in rallying to send children to Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses for the sixth consecutive year.

From March 5 to April 5, more than 500 Kangaroo Express convenience stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will encourage guests to donate $1 at the register to support Victory Junction. Select restaurants at Kangaroo Express stores will also participate in the fundraising effort.

Coca-Cola will join Kangaroo Express to announce the total funds raised for Victory Junction at the NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 17.

Victory Junction was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their late son Adam. The camp relies solely on donations from individuals and corporations like Kangaroo Express to give children a life-changing camping experience. For $2,500, one child has the chance to attend camp for a week at no cost to his or her family.

“Victory Junction gives seriously ill children a wonderful opportunity to just enjoy being kids, and we are honored to support that mission for the sixth year in a row,” said Scott Smith, eastern division vice president, Kangaroo Express. “Last year, generous donations from store guests enabled us to send 400 kids to summer camp and fund the construction of a playground at Myrtle Beach Speedway. We look forward to continuing our support of Victory Junction and inspiring another group of campers this summer.”

To rally fans behind the cause, the Victory Junction Pink Truck, donated by country music star Taylor Swift, will tour across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, creating a cause for celebration at

each Kangaroo Express store it visits. Fans can follow the Pink Truck Tour on the Kangaroo Express Facebook and Twitter pages.

“Coca-Cola is proud to continue its partnership with Kangaroo Express to help Victory Junction achieve its mission of providing a life-changing experience for children with chronic medical conditions,” said Derek Pope, director of sales, Coca-Cola Refreshment. “Victory Junction provides a positive, ongoing impact on the children and families that attend camp. It is an honor for Coca-Cola to support such a vibrant organization making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Kangaroo Express stores in Charleston, S.C., first began raising funds for Victory Junction in 2009 and have since expanded to three states. Donations have totaled almost $3 million since the inaugural fundraising effort and have enabled Kangaroo Express to send 1,100 children to summer camp.

As a result of Kangaroo Express’ donations, Victory Junction has been able to aid pediatric burn survivors and children with neurological and genetic disorders, craniofacial anomalies, sickle cell and skin disease. The organization also unveiled a playground at Myrtle Beach Speedway to bolster awareness of its continued efforts in providing children diagnosed with chronic medical conditions a memorable and enriching summer camp experience.

“We look forward to providing this year’s campers with another exciting summer of fun, friendship and enrichment,” said Brooke Hondros, director of development, Victory Junction. “Thanks to the generous support of corporate partners such as Kangaroo Express, no family incurs the expense of sending a child to camp.”