We’ve been trying to revive the wonderful initiative that Martin Sloane, my Shopper predecessor, started years ago to encourage readers of this column to send expired grocery coupons to overseas military bases. Base stores accept grocery coupons up to six months after their expiration dates. Martin had a full list of military bases that distributed grocery coupons to families. Unfortunately, after heightened security measures post-9/11, many of those addresses are not complete enough to ensure delivery of coupons to families who need them.

I contacted other Web sites that promote this effort, spoke to post office representatives and heard from readers familiar with the subject. We all learned that in order to have a package of coupons accepted by an overseas military base, we had to have the full name of a person on the base to distribute them, as well as the address. Otherwise, the person who took the time to package the coupons and pay the postage to send them would have them returned. I certainly heard from frustrated readers about that!

Out of the blue I received an e-mail from Thomas Leugers stationed at an overseas base. He explained that their base received many grocery-coupon packages in the past, but hadn’t in some time. He asked how they could begin getting coupons again. I was thrilled to hear from a new contact, so I asked Thomas for permission to share his name and address. He agreed, and I posted his information in the “Help Others Easily” section of the Coupon Mom Web site (www.couponmom.com). You can send coupon packages to: “Thomas Leugers CMR 419 BOX 1467 APO AE 09102” and you can reach him via e-mail at thomasleugers@hotmail.com.

The great news is that some readers have sent Thomas coupons! I recently asked Thomas if he had received any more coupons. He responded: “We have started receiving coupon packages. I have received some e-mails from people thinking other people have sent coupons and maybe we don’t need anymore, but I tell them that’s not the case — it’s an ongoing project. Thanks so much for thinking of us. We really appreciate all you are trying to do to help us. Most people do not realize that we can use the expired coupons.”

I shared this story on a radio program recently, and the program host decided to take the cause on as well. He gave the program a clever name: “Operation Expiration.” We taped a few radio interviews and announcements explaining what the need was, how important it is that we support our troops in this way, and told listeners where to find the mailing address information. The radio station owner shared the idea with all of their company’s radio stations. They are now playing the taped announcements nationwide.

 I like this idea for several reasons. First, it helps our military families who are serving our country and making many sacrifices in the process. Second, it is an inexpensive way to provide real financial value to other families. Third, it is an excellent way to teach hands-on, charitable giving to children. Youth groups, the Scouts, school classes and families can make cutting coupons a project. Organizing them by category in envelopes would be even more helpful for the military base families. If your family, civic group or youth group is looking for a meaningful service project, please consider “Operation Expiration” this year.

 

Stephanie Nelson shares her savings tips as a regular contributor on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” You can find more of her savings tips in her book  “The Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom” and on her website at www.couponmom.com. She can be reached at shoppingmom@unitedmedia.com.

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