I just received an email from a reader, Vicky, about another awesome way to make use of those samples! I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE sharing my abundance of freebies with others!Here's what she emailed:
"I collected a stash of samples for 2 years. I came across a blog called anysoldier.com. It's a site that gives out soldiers addresses that have been deployed overseas in places like Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. They let you know what they need in care packages. I came upon a soldier who was asking for travel size items because their missions took them to villages for a period of a couple of days and they needed small items because they couldn't bring full size shampoo's because space was limited. I sent her my 2 year stash and she shared them with the other 30 she shared her tent with. She said they felt like it was Christmas when they received the package with all the different things in it. Maybe other readers just collect like I do. I sent the package parcel post and it only cost $14 dollars. Its a small way to help our troops."
I absolutely LOVE this idea and not only because my hubby is military, but because these simple acts of kindness are just amazing! If you read my blog, you are most likely very talented in the coupon department... and yes, it is a talent! Use this awesome talent to give back and show others you care. Not only is this generous and kind, but nothing can replace that warm feeling you get inside when you do something special like this!
26 comments:
amy coupons I dont use I send them over to the troops even if you have expired ones where they shop still takes them
We do military mailing at our church a few times a year and they LOVE the bags and bags of items (including samples) all us COUPONERS bring! What an awesome feeling to "give back"
SOLDIERS ANGELS IS A GOOD ONE TOO :)
Plus there is a place that you can mail in your expired coupons. Military persons overseas can use them up to 3 months past the expire date, I believe. I think they use them on bases with stores in them. separate the coupons into two categories; food and non-food
(Note: They can only accept regular manufacturer's coupons like from the newspaper inserts--no special "in store" coupons or internet printed coupons. )
http://couponing.about.com/od/seasonalsavingszone/a/militaryexpcou3.htm
http://www.ocpnet.org/
So, if you have coupons you will not use or that have expired - check out these sites and help a military person who doesn't have time to clip coupons save money, too!
thats a awesome way to share im going to start saving to do the same. reading that post gave me goosebumps its a awesome feeling to give back to those who are fighting for us!! godbless
Some other ideas: overseas missions at churches love to give out small things to those they minister to, womens and mens shelters (homeless, battered women-don't forget the kids), I know of some food pantries that take toiletry items as well as food. Just a couple more places to spread the wealth!
This is an awesome website. I had no idea this resource was out there... thank you!
I participate with AnySolider with a few friends. We use coupons for personal items (soaps, deoderant, toothpaste etc)to get the items for very low prices and send them to the soliders. We also send non-perishible food items (gum, candy, Warm Delights) purchased for very little money using our coupons as well. It makes us feel so good to know that we can help our soliders even when money is tight for us. We also mail our expired coupons overseas via opc.net.
I just started getting samples recently... I am going RIGHT NOW to get a box to start collecting more. Once it's filled, overseas it goes!!!!
LOVE THIS!!!! Also, I was just reading an article on www.cookswhocare.com If any of you are bakers or have extra snack purchases, you can do the same. Check out http://bakinggals.com/ to get information on how to send goodies to soldiers oversees. So many soldiers could use a little something to bring a smile to their face.
i've been looking for something like this now that my best friend is back from overseas (he got everything previously) -- much thanks! :)
What an amazing idea!
You can also send your package in a Military flat rate box which is priority mail and only cost $11.75. The box is 12" x 12" x 5 ½". My husband is currently in Iraq and I have sent him many packages this way.
Operation Christmas Child has a great program too!
I love this program....we will do this for sure!!!
I've done something like this thru school and it's awesome! I have also donated several huge bags to the local men's ministry and vet's office. I try to do it every few months. I love helping! Even though we are really struggling right now ourselves, it does feel good!
LOVE the sample idea! I, too, have been collecting and (using sometimes) samples for about 2 years. My kids even give some on it to the friends. But now I know what I can do with them!
My best friend's husband is in Afganistan. I read this post and grabbed up all of my food and toiletry samples to ship. I also threw in a lot of the toothpaste, toothbrushes, chapstick, mints, gum, and Chex Mix that we had. This was a GREAT IDEA!!! I love how creative you and all of the other readers are.
Thanks for inspiring me :)
My husband is currently deployed and he loves when I send him and his group the free travel size things I get! They really enjoyed the clean and clear morning burst, they like to feel clean. They also ask for unscented tampons. My husband is a corpsman and they use them for medical reasons.
FANTASTIC!!!! That is what I'm going to do. My father was in the Navy for 20 years, my husband in Vietnam. I would be proud to send what I can. Thank you so much for the information! Great idea.
What an awesome and inspiring post! I now have a box sitting in our mudroom so that samples (that would be useful) can go right in when we come in from getting the mail. When you do this bargain thing daily...the items add up, and what a fun way to pay it forward, great post!!
OK, not to poo poo this idea, but I've had several military guys (both of my brothers included) tell me that they never used the samples they received and didn't want them. :( Just another perspective on this.
Yes, Operation Christmas Child is a great way to share these items!
I have so much reg. size deodorant, and shampoos, I have scored for free. Can I send regular size across seas to the military?
On Christmas Eve our family has Freebie Night. I put together several dozen wrapped packages with subtle hints about the contents. A package with sunscreen (Coppertone Nutrashield free from CVS), body lotions (Vaseline Shher Infusion free from Walgreens and CVS) and romance paperbacks (compliments of Harlequinn) might have a big sun on the package or a picture or someone on a lounge chair. The idea is to try to grab packages you might like, BUT the FUN is in trading. My son traded VS thong panties (free from Pink Nation membership) for NIKWAX footwear cleaning gel (free from their website with survey quiz) for his fishing boots. Last year everyone got in the act and brought Freebie Bags. Loads of fun!
Just had another thought: All of the free magazines we get (Men's Health, GQ, Muscle and Fitness) would be great to send also. The guys need reading material too!
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