The Pantry, Inc., the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, on Wednesday announced it will invite customers in 72 Kangaroo Express convenience stores throughout the Chattanooga, North Georgia and Cleveland areas to donate to its first annual “Kash for Kids” campaign in support of Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization that brings the real world to students through hands-on curriculum delivered by a trained classroom volunteer.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 26, Kangaroo Express will rally store guests to make donations to the Kash for Kids fundraiser, encouraging the local community to help young people learn the importance of staying in school and develop the competitive skills and confidence needed to succeed in the 21^st-century global marketplace. 

Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to own their economic success.  The organization inspires work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills and impacts four million U.S. students in more than 176,000 classrooms. 

“Kangaroo Express is excited for the opportunity to partner with a truly dedicated organization like Junior Achievement through the Kash for Kids campaign,” said Chris Hughes, regional district manager, Kangaroo Express. “The funds raised will provide kids right here in the Chattanooga, North Georgia and Cleveland areas the opportunity to benefit from real life, hands-on experience and inspire them to dream big and reach their fullest potential.”

Donations raised in Hamilton, Catoosa, Walker, Marion, Rhea and Sequatchie counties will directly benefit the Junior Achievement of Chattanooga. Donations raised in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Polk and Monroe counties will directly benefit the Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region.

“With the generous support of Kangaroo Express, the Junior Achievement offices of Chattanooga and the Ocoee Region will continue to provide our kindergarten through 12^th grade students the opportunity to prepare for their future,” said Renee Penney, special events director, Junior Achievement of Chattanooga. “We are elated for the impact to be experienced by a greater number of students in our local schools as a result of this partnership.”