Commissary helps military families, veterans

Commissary shoppers have many ways to stretch their normal 30 percent or more savings this holiday season thanks to special store promotions, giveaways, coupon offers and other opportunities for discounts.

“Our industry partners are offering greater savings through the use of high-value coupon booklets and special turkey offers,” said Chris Burns, DeCA sales director. “They’re also offering theme promotions recognizing our military veterans that save our customers and their fellow vets even more when it’s needed most.”

Throughout November, DeCA’s vendors, suppliers and brokers are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

The Second Annual “Turkey Perfection” promotion. Through Nov. 28, customers will receive a 32-page coupon booklet valued at more than $40. When customers purchase an item using a coupon from the booklet, they receive cash off the purchase of any whole fresh or frozen turkey. There is a limit of one coupon booklet per customer for this special offer, and patrons must purchase the quantities stated on the coupon. Supplies are limited.

“The Family Unit.” Through Nov. 28, Procter & Gamble has partnered with the USO to raise funds for “The Family Unit,” a place where Wounded Warriors can recover, spend quality time with their families and prepare for their transition back into the community. P&G will offer commissaries more than $70 in “Brandsaver” coupon booklets in support of this promotion. In addition, patrons can sign up at www.thefamilyunitpg.com for more coupons to use on future trips to the commissary. For each of these coupons redeemed in commissaries, P&G will donate 50 cents for USO’s “Operation Enduring Care.”

“Good Food Good Life” Program. Through Nov. 28, the “Good Food Good Life” program will provide shoppers with the Nestle “Big Book of Commissary Savings” coupon booklet, which includes a wide array of holiday-related coupon offers, meal ideas, recipes and cooking tips.

“Holiday Heroes.” Through Nov. 28, Quaker and Tropicana will offer holiday-bundling coupons focusing on family meals. This promotion supports the “For the Troops Foundation,” an all-volunteer non-profit organization that provides care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Commissaries that participate could have up to $7,500 donated in their name.

“Operation Appreciation.” During November, Unilever will offer savings on their 15 top-selling brands. Up to $25,000 of the proceeds from the sales of Unilever’s participating brands with redeemable coupons from either the “Operation Appreciation” coupon booklet or the Commissary Rewards Card will support members of the armed forces.

“Believe in Heroes!” During November, commissaries worldwide will receive 500,000 coupon flyers, containing high-value coupons for commissary shoppers. During the promotional period most participating brands will provide donations to the “Wounded Warrior Project” foundation.

“Special Wounded Warriors Donation Program.” This month, commissary shoppers will see military-only coupons and a national Wounded Warrior ad and flyer from Sun Products directing shoppers to a website for more coupons and a link to its Facebook page. Sun Products is donating a portion of the proceeds from this promotion to the Wounded Warrior Project.