Donate expired coupons to the Troops

I have received many emails asking what I do with my expired coupons, and one great thing you can do is send them overseas to our military where they can use expired coupons up to 6 months expired.

If you have manufacturer coupons and would like to donate them, head on over to the Overseas Coupon Project website.   You’ll need to sort them into two categories:  “food” and “non-food.”  These coupons will be distributed to military and their families to use at military commissary stores.  Donated coupons can be expired up to TWO MONTHS and the military commissary will still take them!!  *Actually, they’ll take them 6 months or more, but you have to figure time in for shipping so 2 months is their rule of thumb.

Here’s how to donate:

1. Click on Overseas Coupon Project and then “Base List” to find a military base to adopt, then find “Adoption Form” to apply.
2. Clip & sort your coupons into two categories:  “food” and “non food” and place them into two separate baggies, and put into an envelope.  Keep in mind food and baby coupons are in high demand.
3. Send your coupons to our heroes overseas. In some cases you may be able to bring them to your local VFW post.

Items to note:

CUSTOMS: Since they’ll be going overseas you’ll need to fill out a customs form 2976-A.  It’s not complicated, and you can print the form on the USPS.gov website.  If you have questions on how to fill out a customs form your post office can help you or you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS.  Here’s a quick reference on how to fill it out: From, To, 1 = Manufacturer’s Coupons, 2 = Pkg, 4 = $0.00, 5 = Gift, 9 = $0.00, 10 = Return to Sender, 13 = sign & date

COSTS: Mailing approximately 50-60 regular coupons (less than 13 oz) in a regular envelope will cost a few bucks depending on where it’s going.  You can calculate your shipping rate at usps.gov.  They have a special flat-rate box for APO/FPO (it’s probably too big for individuals sending coupons) and that costs less than shipping Priority Mail domestically.

There is also a another way to donate using the website Coupons to Troops.

Thanks Gimme Freebies for your help compiling this post!