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Coinstar Machines Accept Donations to Aid in Tsunami Relief Efforts


WEBWIRE

BELLEVUE, WA -- January 7, 2005 -- Coinstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSTR) today announced that Americans can now donate their spare change at Coinstar(R) machines to aid in the tsunami relief efforts. Consumers can choose to donate their spare change to either The U.S. Fund for UNICEF or the American Red Cross. Both organizations are assisting in the relief efforts in Southeast Asia following the tsunami and are providing vital support after this unprecedented devastation.

Unlike other forms of donations, Coinstar machines accept coin donations of any size, allowing all Americans to help. In addition, Coinstar machines are available to accept donations whenever the supermarket is open.

“In the wake of this disaster it is encouraging to witness Americans coming together to help those in need,” said Dave Cole, chief executive officer of Coinstar, Inc. “Seventy-five percent of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Coinstar machine. Imagine if half of those individuals donated just $1 to one of these worthy organizations - we could raise more than $143 million to help victims put their lives back together.”

To make a donation, consumers simply take their coin jar to one of nearly 10,000 participating supermarket locations and pour their loose change into the big, green Coinstar machine. Donors receive a tax receipt for the full amount of their donation.

To find the nearest machine with a donation option, go to: www.coinstar.com

About Coinstar, Inc.

Coinstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSTR) is a multi-national company offering a range of products and services consisting of coin counting, electronic payment solutions, and entertainment services at retail locations including supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchants, convenience stores, and restaurants. Coinstar’s e-payment business is operated through its wholly-owned subsidiaries CellCards of Illinois, L.L.C. and Coinstar E-Payment Services Inc. For more information, visit www.coinstar.com.

About the American Red Cross

You can help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami emergency in Southern Asia and Eastern Africa by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations can also be mailed to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make secure online credit card donations by visiting www.redcross.org.

About UNICEF

Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children around the world through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information, please visit www.unicefusa.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF.



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