Expired Coupons? Support Our Military Families

I can't bear to throw away expired coupons! If I took the time to clip them, I'd love for someone to use them. But what good are they when they've expired?

I just packed up my first batch of expired coupons, and I'm sending them to overseas military families. They can use the coupons for up to six months past the expiration date. You don't have to know a specific family. Some bases have volunteers who will categorize and distribute them for you. You do have to be prompt in sending them though, as it takes several weeks for them to arrive at the bases.

The volunteers have asked that you clip the coupons (no full-page ads) and separate your coupons into food and non-food items. I packed mine in two separate envelopes and then put them both into a larger envelope. They prefer that you not use rubber bands, paper clips, or anything bulky like that. From what I've read, the postage should be exactly the same as it would be to send them to someone in the US. (Bases are considered US territories.)

If you know a military family overseas, I'd love to have their address. In the meantime, I'm sending mine directly to a military base in the UK. Here's their address:
RAF Fairford
Attn: Airman & Family Readiness Center
Unit 4280
APO AE 09456
Fairford, UK

You can find addresses for bases from each branch of the service at GrocerySavingTips.com's website. You can also send your coupons through an organization such as the Overseas Coupon Program. This organization keeps track of the dollar value of coupons sent overseas. They offer rewards and other details, but their process seemed a little more high-maintenance than simply sending them off. I just packed mine up in a few minutes, and they're ready to drop off at the post office tomorrow.