Henry Daily Herald

Kroger and the United Service Organization (USO) are conducting a “Round-Up” Campaign, to help provide financial assistance to American troops and their families. The effort is schedule to start Sunday, June 24, and continue until Saturday, July 7. Kroger customers are asked to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar for a donation to support the troops.

Customers are also encouraged to write inspiring messages on postcards, which are available at each register during the “Round-Up” campaign. All postcards will be delivered to the USO and sent to active troops, according to the director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, Glynn Jenkins.

“We encourage our customers to assist in whatever ways they can, either by participating in the ‘Round-Up’ or by filling out postcards,” Jenkins said. “[It would] help the USO continue to serve members of the military, wounded troops and their families.”

In 2011, Kroger customers in the Atlanta Division donated more than $168,000 in support of the USO. This year Kroger’s goal is to raise $200,000, according to Jenkins.

 The USO is a private, nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors, according to Kelli Seely, senior vice president, and chief development officer.

“Every day of the year, at more than 160 locations around the world, the USO is working to lift the spirits of troops and families,” said Seely.