DaytonDailyNews.com

Coupon-filled Entertainment Books are known for providing discounts for the families who buy them, but they may soon be known for helping feed area families as well.

Centerville resident Amy Foley, an account specialist for fundraising with Entertainment Publications, said the company has launched a new campaign called Cans for Coupons.

"This is not a fundraiser in any way, shape or form," Foley said.

The campaign allows schools to sell the company's excess Entertainment Books from 2009 for five canned goods each. Those canned goods are then donated to food banks to help area families.

"As we know, people who have never been in need of assistance are now taking advantage of this resource (food banks), and as a result the shelves are bare more often than ever before," Foley said. "We saw the need there. It makes sense."

The 2009 coupon books, which are good through Nov. 1, are sold primarily by schools and youth groups in fall fundraisers. The books contain thousands of dollars in savings at area establishments, and usually sell for $30.

"Golf courses, restaurants, movie theaters — Dick's Sporting Goods alone has $45 worth of savings in the 2009 book," Foley said.

Foley, who used to be a teacher at Incarnation School in Centerville, said two area schools are already on board for the Cans for Coupons campaign — Stingley Elementary in Centerville and Baker Middle in Fairborn.

Diana Keller, principal at Stingley Elementary, said she was thrilled by the opportunity for her school to participate in this campaign.

"It is just a win-win," Keller said. "It is a great way of helping our entire community."

Keller said they are managing their campaign out of the school office.

"If students bring us at least five canned goods, their families will receive a book. And it is only one book per family."

The school gets to decide what food bank they wish to benefit.

Schools interested in taking part in this campaign, which will continue while supplies last, should contact Foley at (937) 367-2943.

As for the 2010 book, Foley said it is in the works, and will include the addition of at least three gift cards on the cover, valued at at least $5 each.

The 2010 book will be ready for fundraisers in August.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelle@DaytonDaily

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