Kangaroo customers give $450,000 to troops

Customers of South Carolina's Kangaroo Express convenience stores have donated more than $450,000 for soldiers since Memorial Day.

Gov. Nikki Haley recognized the stores' Salute Our Troops campaign Friday afternoon in Charleston.

The company has encouraged customers to either add $1 to their purchase or put money in a donation box. The campaign has raised $2.2 million so far across 13 states.

Company spokeswoman Sarah Haas said the $451,000 raised in South Carolina's 250 stores ranks second behind Florida, which has more than 400 stores. She said South Carolina is on track to raise the most money per store.

The money collected through Labor Day will go to the United Service Organizations, the Wounded Warrior Project and National Guard family assistance programs in five states, including South Carolina.