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How to Donate Cancelled Stamps

Cancelled stamps are not worthless. They can find a second life in the form of donations to non-profit organizations. Charities will gather these donations in bulk and then auction them to collectors as a fund-raising method. The charities that accept these donations range from large religious organizations to regional groups like Norway's Tubfrim, which sells cancelled stamps to raise money in support of their cause to combat tuberculosis among Norwegian children.

Things You'll Need

Cancelled stamps
Computer or telephone
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your cancelled stamps to verify they are in excellent condition. Pay close attention to any tears or missing pieces. If the stamp is fully intact, it is eligible for donation.
- 2
  Contact your chosen charity through phone or email for its submission guidelines. Specifically, make sure you cover how much paper must be left on the stamps' borders, sorting needs and delivery preferences.
- 3
  Cut each cancelled stamp from its envelope with scissors according to the organization's preference. The preferred cutting usually ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the stamp's border. Sort them using the non-profit's guidelines if requested.
- 4
  Deliver the stamps to the organization in person or through the postal service or a package service. As with all important post office mailings, send it with a delivery confirmation receipt. This is especially important with international shipments. Package services are secure options that also offer delivery confirmation. If the charity is local, hand deliver the stamps to build a personal relationship with the organization.

Stamp Collecting