ATLANTA — Kroger is joining forces with the United Service Organization through July 9 to support American troops and their families by allowing customers to round up their store purchases to the nearest dollar.

For example, a customer who purchases $99.02 of groceries is urged to “round up” the bill to $100 by donating 98 cents.

The goal is to raise $250,000 in Kroger’s Atlanta Division stores, which includes the one in Hinesville.

More than 2 million U.S. troops are active duty or in the reserve today, including some store associates. Kroger has also partnered with the USO through “Honoring Our Heroes,” a multi-faceted program designed to show the grocer’s gratitude to active-duty troops, military families, troops transitioning into civilian life and veterans.

“This is our sixth year partnering with the USO, and the “round up” is always a favorite initiative of both our customers and associates,” said Glynn Jenkins, the grocer’s Atlanta Division public relations director. “We are proud to show our support for our nation’s troops and encourage our customers to assist in whatever ways they can to make a huge impact for our dedicated U.S. military.”

Established in 1941, the USO — a nonprofit, congressionally chartered organization — supports American troops in combat, as well as military personnel on local bases, the National Guard, Reserve and other personnel providing humanitarian aid.

Since 2011, Kroger customers in the Atlanta Division have raised more than $1.5 million through the grocer’s annual “round up” and “Honoring Our Heroes” campaigns in support of the USO.

Customers can go to www.HonoringOurHeroes.com to become inspired by store associates’ stories, then write a messages to military heroes. By posting on social media using the #HonoringOurHeroes hashtag, messages will appear on the website.