In a gesture of thanks to the men and women of the armed forces and their families, the Kroger Co. is joining forces with the USO (United Service Organizations) to raise funds for military personnel support programs.

Through mid-August, customers and associates at 1,300 participating Kroger stores will be able to donate spare change in specially marked coin boxes at checkstands. All of the funds raised will support USO’s broad range of programs and services.

“Kroger is honored to partner with the USO to thank our military families for all they do,” said Lynn Marmer, Kroger’s group VP of corporate affairs.

The campaign will run at select Kroger stores in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas; Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores in California; Dillons stores in Kansas and Missouri; and Baker’s stores in Nebraska.

“We are delighted Kroger provided this special opportunity to the USO,” noted Sloan Gibson, USO president and CEO. “We appreciate their continued support to the troops and their families through this creative initiative.”

A private nonprofit organization, the Washington-based USO has been providing programs and services to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families for 69 years.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,470 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.