Here are 3 sites that can assist you in sending out expired coupons:
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►OCP (overseas coupon program)
►Coupons to Troops
What Type of Coupons Can They Use?
In general, our military families can can only use regular manufacturer's coupons such as from newspaper inserts, coupon mailings, store displays and coupons you may receive directly from the manufacturer. BOGO coupons are also acceptable. They cannot use "In Store Only" coupons.
We all love printable coupons from the Internet and in some cases, military families overseas are able to use them too. However, if they are able to use them, they can also print them on their own. So it's probably best not to send these types of coupons. Unless you happen to have a handful that are expired, those would be great!
Our military families have asked us to pass along this request... If you can, PLEASE separate the coupons into TWO CATEGORIES, one for FOOD and one for NON-FOOD. It is not always necessary, but helpful.
►Food (Including Dairy, Bread, Food, Canned Goods, Beverages, Water, Candy, Gum, Meat & Frozen Foods)
►Non-Food (Including Cleaners, Toiletries, Make Up, Paper Products, Vitamins, Medicines & Pet Food )
If you are separating your coupons, place them in separate plastic bags marked "Food" or "Non-Food.". Remember, separating the coupons is NOT required, just a little extra help for the coordinators.
While some families are able to move their pets with them when they go overseas, others find foster homes for them while they are away. Expired pet coupons are welcome.
You can also send as many coupons as you have collected, even dozens of duplicates. However, a good variety is great too!
Addressing & Shipping Your Coupon Package
Since our bases overseas are US territory, the postage will cost the same as if you were mailing to an address here in the US. Clipping the coupons before mailing will also help you keep the costs down.
The post office may request a specific contact name when you go to mail your coupons. If necessary, explain to them that we cannot maintain a list of personal contact names because they CHANGE constantly and that we are a volunteer group donating grocery coupons to help our military families stationed overseas. The postal worker can also open and inspect the package if that will help and verify that the contents are grocery coupons being sent to our U.S. commissaries overseas. You may wish to leave your package unsealed until you get to the post office. However, we have not experienced this problem and have never had a package of coupons returned.
Addressing the package directly to the Commissary or "Family Services" should also help. Also, do not include the country or city, as it might be routed through the country's regular mail system instead of the military. We have include this extra information (City and Country) in our address list so you will know where they are located, but when you mail your envelopes you will address them like this...
Family Services (or Information We Have Listed)
Unit Number, Box Number
APO AE 00000
Note: The APO/FPO is used for the "City" and AA/AE/AP is the "State"
Ask your post office for the best way to mail your coupons so they will get there quickly. (Remember, they can only use them for up to 6 months after the expiration date.) You may also need to fill out a simple customs form which the post office will give you and attach to your letter or package. It will only take a minute to fill out the form and you can list the value of the coupons as $0. The coupons have no monetary value unless they are used
How Long Does the Mail Take
When sending your expired grocery coupons keep in mind the time it takes to mail your coupons internationally (usually many weeks), so do try to get them shipped off quickly. Sending coupons within 30 days of expiration is a good goal.
If you personally know a military family stationed overseas you should send your coupons directly to them. They are welcome to contact us if they would like to add their base to our list.
When coupons are received at the base a coupon coordinator (or group) will either distribute the coupon donations to needy families or place them in an area where they can be picked up by families at the PX or Commissary.
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