Many times people look at me as a little crazy for stockpiling. I have heard many comments about it. Well it is days like today, that reminded me why I stockpile.
1. It saves my family a ton of money.
2. I learn to use what I have on hand instead of constantly running to the store to buy stuff at full price.
3. I am able to give at a moments notice.
Tonight my Mom came by. She told me about a local food pantry whose shelves were empty. This pantry serves a dinner each week and supplies many families with food. They sent out a letter – saying they were in desperate need of food.
With a moments notice, we were able to pack up cereal, soup, pasta, noodles, hamburger helper, brownie mix, rice and canned veggies. While this won’t feed everyone who comes to the food pantry – it will be a small help.
Tomorrow, I plan on going to Weis, Giant, Redners and Acme to pick up all the free or cheap items that I can for the food bank.
I hope you will be encouraged to give when you can. I am thankful that couponing has allowed me to be generous with my giving.
I’m so glad to hear that. I do the same thing. My daughter’s school always have a food drive for the food bank. It gets really cold here in the winter and it gets impossible to go to the store sometimes. I made a pantry in our basement. It looks like a little store. Opened food is kept upstairs and everything else is kept downstairs. Our pantry saves us money, time and a whole lot of hassle. It also gives us a sense of security (when the weather gets bad and we can’t go out) and it gives us a larger variety to choose from at meal time.
That’s awesome! Great job!
Love this (and you!), Shan!
I love that by couponing, sale-shopping, and stockpiling, I am able to not only help OUR budget, but help my parents out with freebies, too.
Last night, our church had a “pounding” to help out our newest assistant pastor and his family. I was able to very quickly pack two reusable bags full of non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and toiletries without blinking an eye (or worrying about whether or not we could afford to help someone.).
I am also able to stock up former youth (now college students) toiletries and food supplies very easily.
Not only can this smart shopping be a blessing for our family, but our family can bless others. When I try to bless others with stuff, I end up being blessed tenfold.
-Amy
this is so amazing to read of all the ways people share w/ others! sounds like a great headline story for a newspaper! =) personally, i share w/ the local food pantry, rescue mission, & i also have a “CVS box” that our extended family “shops” out of for free (this idea was original w/ my sister who got me hooked on your site & coupons). last week, i was able to do a spur of the moment sharing event when an article in the newspaper mentioned that the local food pantry’s shelves were basically empty; i bagged up my surplus & took it in. it’s such a good feeling to know that we’re helping out but being wise stewards of God’s money in the process!
@joanna,
Yes, you all are amazing. Especially in this economy it is amazing to see everyone giving.
With all the Huggies coupons and great sales at Rite Aid, I’ve been able to donate over $1,350 in diapers and other baby items to our local pregnancy center so far this year. The first time I went in with a carload of stuff, the rep thought my church had held a baby shower for the Center!
@Carole,
Oh my gracious Carole, that is awesome!
The Ronald McDonald house is great. They were a blessing with our premie son. We were 100 miles from home and had no where else to go. They will always take toiletries and are always appreciative!
I was able to get 150 free bags of cereal with coupons last night by partnering coupons with a sale. One of the things we love best about couponing is sharing. We can’t wait to take these to the local shelter!
I am so heartened to read about people saving money for themselves yes, but also for the benefit of others. I too donate my stockpiles of free or close to free items. Razors and toiletries are gratefully accepted at the Salvation Army and of course food to the local food pantry. It is SO important in this horrible economy that we help each other make it. Bless you all!
@Peggy M,
I am so honored to have all of you great ladies/gents as part of this blog. I am so happy that we are positive and giving group.
I think that homeless shelters or battered women shelters are in need of toiletry items as well.
I am amazed at how coupons allows me to be generous in ways that are far beyond my means.
As a pastor, I am now stocking a “Mart” in our local church. We find all sort of coupon, clearance, and rebate deals on groceries and non-perishables. Then we put stickers on the items with a “suggested donation”; usually 25 cents to a dollar. For those who can afford to pay, it turns $10 into $30 and really stretches their few grocery dollars. For those who are truly strapped, we are able to offer the items for free. And 100% of the money donated is used to purchase more supplies.
Your website is CRUCIAL to our success. It provides us with the info we need to find the best deals!
Thanks for helping us to be “CRAZY GENEROUS” and show the love of Jesus in a practical way!!
@charles wertz,
Yeah! Makes me so happy to hear..
I am participating in the giving challenge. http://30daygivingchallenge.com/ with other bloggers.. and am excited to do exactly what you said here :)
Lots of food banks also take toiletries. Also any shelter would take them!
If you contact a local church in your neighborhood they might be able to direct you to a food cupboard in the vicinity. Most neighborhoods have a local one. Many churches donate to the same location.
I definitely think this is one of the best things about couponing. My kids and I make a trip to a local food bank about twice a month. I have been able to teach my daughter how important it is to help others when you can. We are very fortunate to have what we have and I think it is so important to give when we can.
I like that idea, what a great way to say thank you to people that service us like they do! Back when the free smoothie coupons came out from McDonalds, we met a police officer when we went to redeem ours. Since I had an extra coupon, I gave it to my five year old to give to him. It was a lesson for her to trust the police man and a way to say thank you to him.
See if you have a church nearby that will partner with you. You pack the boxes and they pay the shipping. I always do about 50 Operation Christmas Child boxes, but cannot afford the donation for shipping that goes along with them. My church has always been happy to pay the shipping for my boxes since I fill them up and get them ready to go!
I donate my extra toiletries to the local misson in my town every year. With the economy so crappy, tons of places have put out the call for donations. Not sure if I will split my donation or just pick one place. There is so much need right now.
I also put together some of the “nicer” drugstore freeebies/cheapies (Olay, expensive shampoo, etc.) for my stepmother. They are retired, so I try to give her a Christmas basket every year of beauty stuff they can’t really afford. She loves it and it has become a tradition (way easier to find her gift too!).
I completely agree! I give to my local homeless shelter when I have a surplus! I picked up extra Crest toothbrushes and toothpaste this past week for free at Rite Aid and immediately donated them because I already have a stash – same with all my Nivea chapstick! When I donated the personal care items, the worker was so happy. She shared that they were always short on razors so now I am on a search for free razors to donate and help out! (I missed out on the free razor deal at RA this week! Drat!). Anyway, I look at my good fortune as a reason to help others who are not as fortunate and couponing allows me to do even more!
Did you read the front page article in the Philly Enquirer? I was donating a lot last year, but the deal seem to be fewer, and my children are at an age that it is difficult to do many trips to the store beyond what my own family can use. But this article certainly has made me want to make more of an effort. Also, I know my friend’s church took hygiene items for a halfway house that supported people that were transitioning from rehab. All the free diabetes meters I donated to a local clinic in Kennett Square. What I don’t where to donate is all the free contact lense solution. Everybody I know with contacts use solution that they get with their contacts.
Shannon
That’s awesome Shannon! Usually my stockpiles aren’t that large but I usually give away a lot of what I have to friends, family, and neighbors. For example, I give my newspapers to the elderly lady next door (I don’t want to sound too dippy but Bree has ZERO interest in the Wall Street Journal lol). Better yet, I got those newspapers/magazine subs for free. Or I help out friends who are low on cash with my diaper stockpiles.
Shannon you’ve inspired me! With the holidays so quickly approaching my goal is to donate a large amount of food [like you did] to a local shelter right before Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. 2 or 3 towns away from me there is a shelter associated with St. John’s Church by Penn Station and they feed the homeless several times a day. The line to receive food sometimes stretches around the block and is truly a heartbreaking sight, especially seeing children in that line.
If you are a member of a church, be sure to ask specifically about toiletry donations – they would most likely be able to connect with the place to donate – my church usually accepts different donations each month for the Salvation Army (even though I think they would take any items at any time). For example, school supplies in August, baby items in September, etc.
I have just started couponing about a month ago but already can see the abundance you can get for little money. I am looking forward to being able to donate item to local food banks, churches, and shelters. We are currently filling shoeboxes to donate to Operation Christmas Child with my MOPS group. Every little bit that you can donate helps:) Thanks for being a great example!
Check for a local shelter or a local church. Most churches have an place to leave donations and then they take it somewhere that needs it.
Check and see if there is a local senior center or contact a church and find out if they work with a shelter. You can also check with your local city government and see what services they offer or the police or fire department may have a program. Also contact the Red Cross, they need these items for emergency situations .
Shannon, What food bank is it? I’m in PA. Maybe I can help.
@Dee,
It is in Spring City – they feed about 50 families a week at their weekly dinner and hand out bags of food.
I went to Harris Teeter today and got pepperidge farm cookies for 50 cents a bag. (I bought 4 bags). On my way home I dropped them by my neighborhood fire station for the fireman. I think I made their day when I gave them the bag and said “this is just a thank you for all that you do!”
Plus, my own body will thank me for that one too. :)
We don’t have a Ronald McDonald house.. but our hospital has their own version of it. maybe you could call a local hospital and see.
I know my daughter had to have open heart surgery at 18 months and we had to stay at Hershey Medical Center about a week. Their Ronald McCdonald house is just a floor in the hospital but we were so grateful for everything that they had there for us. I’m always glad to help them out any way I can.
That’s great Shannon! Thanks to you and your mom too! For all the things you do for so many different people.
Also, check with the food pantry. Many accept toiletries as well
Kudos to you, Shannon, and I agree wholeheartedly! Being frugal and a couponer has allowed me to donate a basket for a silent auction at our church and put together a toiletry and food donation for a local shelter. We always gave, but now we can give more! :)
-Jenn
Also, all those that we help w/ giving.. we also need to “teach them to fish” and they, too, can add from their stockpiles to the local church pantry. That just makes an even bigger pantry!!! Thanks for all your information… love the help and love to help! I give to families directly right now rather than a food pantry… stock those that I know personally who need the help and then go to the pantry. I’ve also started trying to teach others this most wonderful way of shopping. They have heard of my sweet trips to the store and are now asking me “how”!!! Love to share what you share!!! Keep it coming.
@Melissa,
She was asking specifically about toiletries.. some food pantries don’t accept them.
I just had a reader email me that her little son had heart surgery with unexpected complications and that all of the toiletries that they used were donated by individuals.
This reader asked me to share this with other readers – because without the RMD house, she would have had some troubles.
She was asking specifically about toiletries.. some food pantries don’t accept them.
I just had a reader email me that her little son had heart surgery with unexpected complications and that all of the toiletries that they used were donated by individuals.
This reader asked me to share this with other readers – because without the RMD house, she would have had some troubles.
This is awesome, Shannon! Of course, I coupon for the same reasons. I do get a thrill out of getting an awesome deal, but it is not worth it for that thrill alone. Cutting my own food/household spending as well as being able to donate to others is the real motivation. I have 3 boxes full in my basement right now to take to the food pantry next time I go!
About 60miles away. Somewhere in Atlanta.
I had a cashier that seemed a little annoyed every time I walked in the door, especially when I was stocking up. He finally asked me one day, do you use all this stuff??? Thats when I finally told him that what I don’t use is given to food pantries or shelters. His attitude changed from that very moment and he actually helps me when I walk in the door now. I shouldn’t owe anyone and explanation (but glad I did) and I don’t take all they have, if I do…it’s on Saturday night before they close and the deals end.
I do stockpile as well. Every quarter I go through my items and clear out about a 1/3 and donate to Family Services here in town. They supply items to homeless shelters. I am able with my couponing to donate about $350-$400 per quarter (most of it over-the-counter medications, feminine hygiene items, oral hygiene, toiletries, and baby items). I am also able to donate items for our kids’ food drives at school and I am a very generous b-day giver…I love it! THANKS for helping me to do this!!!! It means a lot to me!
I like to give my stockpile too. I have plenty of personal hygiene to give away but don’t know who or where to give in my area. Back in the summer there were b1g1f Gillette body wash @ cvs and there was a b1g1f coupon in P&G booklet. SO I only paid 14cents for 4 bottles!!! I have plenty of them just one problem can’t find anything in the area to give them too. I like to make troop boxes but it costs money to mail them. What would you do in this situation? I am not manly so I will NOT use them!
Thanks,
Tanesha E.
@Tanesha E.,
Do you have a Ronald McDonald house near you?
My friends think I’m nuts the way I stockpile things. However most of the things I stockpile, I get for little or no money.
I was just able to donate about 20 boxes of cereal, and 4 bags of other things. After coupons/ECB’s/rebates I figured out I spent $3.28.
The pantry was very thankful, I felt like I was able to do good with the knowledge that I find on your site.
Keep up the good work!
Way to go !!! you ROCK !
This is the reason I clip EVERY coupon in the sunday paper (even though I may not need them all). I love to share with my local food pantry as well. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to put food on the table for others having a hard time doing so.
I am starting to do the same thing! Our church always needs donations for the food pantry, and the kids school does an annual canned food drive. This time, I will be prepared ahead…buying items for free or close to it using coupons. I already have a number of Chey Boyardee cans to give–which we NEVER eat–but for free or 25 cents a can, what a perfect donation! Tomorrow I will be heading out to get some instant oatmeal at CVS–coupons and ECB will make it free and we never eat that either, so another great donation.
Thanks for all your tips…friends are already calling me the Coupon Queen and I’ve just begun!
I do the same thing as Mrs Happy Homemaker. I save every coupon and when I see posts for cheap or free items that I will not use, I get them to donate. I do this with other things besides food. Just last week, I dropped off a box full of shampoo, lotions, razors and similar items to a local shelter. I am picky about what brands I use for myself but your posts allow me to find great deals that I can get and share with others in need. Thank you for all of your hard work!
AWESOME!
Well said! I’m working on my crazy stockpiling as well. We have to go downtown a lot and always pass the Ronald McDonald House. It would be great to be able to drop off things every time I pass by since there IS so much that I can get free with coupons, so I’ve been working on collecting the things they accept. I no longer just pass up coupons for items that I don’t use, If it’s ultra cheap or free, why not?
Wow, that’s really nice to hear, there really is good people out there like yourself. You seem like you have a lot of energy, do you have a coupon for that ? Thanks for all you time.
Couponing has also allowed my family to be able to donate to our local food pantry. I always save every coupon from my paper & when I am able to get items for free or really cheap – even when I know I won’t use them – I get them & save them to give to the food pantry. My kids & I now make monthly stops to give groceries to others who are having a hard time putting food on their own table.
Amazing!!! I’m sure you made everyone so happy. Continue doing such great work! =]