(openPR) - Cary, N.C., Jan. 30, 2012 – The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced it has teamed up with BP’s Fueling Communities program to donate a total of $10,000 to the Charleston County School District.
The donation will provide $1,000 to ten schools in the district.

"This $10,000 investment will definitely help schools in Charleston County, said Dr. Nancy J. McGinley, superintendent of Charleston County School District. With the momentum of the successful Charleston Achieving Excellence plan under our wings, this investment provides schools with some additional resources as they prepare for Charleston Achieving Excellence: Vision 2016."

The schools receiving a donation in the Charleston County School District are Burke Middle/High School, Burns Elementary School, Drayton Hall Elementary School, E.B. Ellington Elementary School, Mt. Zion Elementary School, North Charleston Elementary School, Stono Park Elementary School, Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, Wando High School, West Ashley High School.

Check presentations for these schools will take place during school events throughout February and March. The first presentations will occur at the Sullivan’s Island Elementary School and Mt. Zion Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, both on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.

“Kangaroo Express doesn’t just do business here in Charleston County. Our employees live, work, and have kids that go to school here,” said Dennis Kirk, region sales director at Kangaroo Express. “We are more than proud to have this chance to support so many local schools and to give back to our local community.”

As part of the Fueling Communities program, Kangaroo Express and BP have allocated $30,000 to be distributed among three school districts in communities in which they operate. Charleston County School District, Hamilton County Department of Education and Wake County Public School System will each receive $10,000, to be split between 10 schools, each receiving a $1,000 donation.

About The Pantry and Kangaroo Express
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of December 9, 2011, the Company operated 1,627 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express®, its primary operating banner. The Pantry's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as fuel and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.

Media Contact
Kelly Hubbard
(919) 459-6453, Kelly@largemouthpr.com

Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Kangaroo Express)
1007 Slater Road, Suite 150
Durham, NC 27703