CoinStar is a popular coin machine that lets you cash in loose change. Not only can change be redeemed for dollars or gift cards, it can also be donated to charities right from the CoinStar machine. Some of the charities supported by CoinStar are the American Red Cross, UNICEF, March of Dimes and the World Wildlife Fund. It's a great way to make charitable donations without taking a huge bite from your wallet. Finding out how to use CoinStar to donate to charity is the first step.
Collect change from around your home and car. Some common places where loose coins collect include between cushions of furniture, under the seats of your car, in pockets, in trays near the washing machine and the bottoms of purses and change purses.
Clean the change if it is dirty at all. Coin machines often miss dirty coins; cleaning it ensures it all gets counted and doesn't stick together in the CoinStar machine. Usually just soaking coins in water for several minutes or overnight will clean it enough to be accepted. If change is very grubby, try soaking it in soapy water, then scrubbing it with a brush. Dry change with a soft towel and spread it out on a flat surface to dry thoroughly.
Visit the CoinStar website at CoinStar.com to find out more about how to use CoinStar to donate to charity with helpful videos and instructions. You can also read about the charities that CoinStar works with. The site contains individual pages for each. At the Red Cross page, you can see exactly what your donation purchases for individuals or families affected by disaster. The smallest donation earns a kit that contains basic personal supplies including toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, washcloth, shampoo, soap, lotion, and comb razor and shaving cream. Larger donations are used for blankets and hot meals.
Enter your city or zip code in the top right corner of the CoinStar site to find the nearest machine. You can also find coin machines in most supermarkets, especially large ones that are part of regional or national chains.
Go to your local CoinStar machine. Get familiar with menu options and the coin sorting device. From the main menu of the CoinStar machine, select the option to donate the coins to charity.
Place the coins into the slot of the machine. Lift up the handle at the side to empty more coins into the machine if some get stuck.
Wait for coins to be counted and for your receipt to print. Since the change you donate is tax deductible, you can use the receipt to list charitable donations on your annual tax return.
Make a habit of collecting change regularly and donating to charity. One idea is to bring change with you to the supermarket and place it in the CoinStar coin machine for donation on your way out.
Get a folder or envelope to collect records of your tax deductible CoinStar donations. It will make it easier to find the records at tax season. Keep the envelope in your glove compartment or another area of your car.
source : http://www.wikihow.com/Use-CoinStar-to-Donate-to-Charity
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