Skip to main content

1.9 Million


Since October of 2012, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been collecting, sorting, and shipping coupons to families overseas in support of the Expired Coupons for Overseas Military Families or (ECOM). Military families do not have access to manufactures coupons overseas. Having no coupons is a challenge since they have limited shopping options and often must pay more for the same item that we do in America. The bonus for families stationed overseas is if they can get their hands on manufactured coupons they can use them up to six months past the coupon expiration date at the commissaries/PX/store on base. This helps the families stationed overseas save money that can be used for other needed items for their families, including those ever-expensive phone calls back home to their cherished loved ones.

When RSVP started this project, it was just a small way to help a few families. No one ever imagined the incredible response to the call for coupons. In short, we underestimated the generosity of everyone’s willingness to share their coupons and share you did to the tune of 1.9 million coupons that have been shipped to bases all over the World. Places like Japan, Italy, Belgium, Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom have all benefited from your generosity. 

However, we have a goal and a lofty one at that. We would love to hit that 2 million coupon mark by the end of this year and with your continued support we can!

So how does it work?

 We serve as the location for coupon donations from RSVP volunteers, community members, churches, and more who want to help support our Military families. Simply drop off or mail us your unused manufactures coupons (sorry no store specific or restaurant coupons permitted) only manufactures to 302 S. Union St, Decatur. This is our hub for volunteers who then help sort and cut coupons for shipment to a base overseas. Coupons must be checked for expiration dates to ensure we send coupons that families can still use.  We then package the coupons and prepare the paperwork to have the box shipped to a base and deliver to our local post office for mailing. Each box can contain as many as 23,000 coupons.  It can typically take up to one month to fill a box for shipping. That means we must fill no less than five boxes before years end to hit our goal of 2 million.

How you can help

You can send us manufactures coupons. Please send only coupons that have only been expired for one month or less.

You can volunteer to help sort or cut coupons (in our office or at your home)

You can help provide the funds for shipping ($17.40 per box)

 

Thank you for your continued support

Charlie Gillaspie

RSVP Director

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

You don't have to be able to Dance to do Baskets

  Growing up in the world of dance, one of my favorite things to do each year is participate in The Nutcracker Ballet. My favorite part? Giving the audience a magical Christmas experience with the perfect setting of lights, music, glittery costumes, and refined steps by ballerinas. The audience is transported to a magical land of sweets that makes even adults feel like small children in awe and wonder. Of course, that’s just what the audience sees! What they don’t see is the months and months before hand! Long rehearsals, bandage wrapped dance feet, and stage and tech crews working tirelessly so that every detail before the final show is perfected. After several years, I have started comparing the Christmas Baskets Process to that of the process for The Nutcracker Ballet. Starting months and months before, staff and volunteers work endlessly for the exhilarating distribution week to come. With that said, the magical essence of the Ballet experience cannot happen with just the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

CoC Funds Available

CoC Funds Available The Decatur/Macon County CoC announces approved Consolidated Application for the FY 2024 CoC Program Competition. Review the Approved Consolidated Application and Approved Priority Listings and all New and Referral Project Listings at the link above. For Comments or Questions about the Approved Application, email fredspannaus@gmail.com.
Post a Comment
Read more

A Woman of Dove's History

 March is Women’s History Month and during this month I want to acknowledge a woman who assisted Ray Batman in molding Dove, Inc. Not only was she a founder and volunteer, but her passion, dedication, and drive were so vital to building the stellar foundation that the organization stands on today. She may have been tiny in stature, but her presence was vast. She was eventually hired as the Program Director in 1974 and remained an active and avid supporter of Dove after retirement and up until her passing in 2014. Her “never take no for an answer” attitude assisted with building collaborations that are still matched today.  She was extremely instrumental in the organization of a multitude of community-related programs throughout the city of Decatur. This includes the Nationally Renowned Mother-to-Mother program, a programming concept that has been widely adopted across the country. Sue’s presence still shines through those of us who have come along beside her. Her commitment to...
Post a Comment
Read more