Couponing for a Cause

You know those Snickers commercials, where the guy is so hungry that he turns into super diva Aretha Franklin? Then he {Aretha} eats a Snickers and he's back to his old self and life is good again?

Well, there are many people in just this country alone that go hungry every day. This video is funny, but think about what happens to the body when you are hungry: lack of focus, no concentration, grouchy, etc. Imagine being a child in school trying to pay attention in class and that child is hungry because he didn't have breakfast or even dinner from the night before. Maybe your only meal for the day is the free lunch you get at school (Have you even seen what they feed kids at school?!). Or think about the elderly, hungry but afraid to eat what last few items are in the pantry because they don't know where their next bites of food will come from.  (Cue the violin music.) 

But seriously, I write all this to urge you to make a donation to your local food bank. Here in NC, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is totally out of food. Below is a pic from their facility.

If you're local (Piedmont Triad, NC) you can make donations at these locations:

Goodwill Stores in Forsyth and Guilford County

BB&T Bank Branches
NewBridge Bank Branches

Lowes Food Stores
Food Lion Stores
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Go here for a list of most needed items from their website. They also need some toiletries which are also listed.

Now, you may be thinking that you really don't have the extra to donate. If you don't, that's fine. But this is where I tell you that if you are not a couponer, you should become one. I know, I know, I'm always trying to convert ya'll. Lol. But you can get so many items for pennies on the dollar, or even free, just by pairing coupons with sales. Here is a great article that I read just today about couponing for a cause.

This week I scored for free:

banana chips

toilet bowl cleaner

Lucky Charms cereal bars (2 boxes)

peanut butter

Gain dishwashing liquid

And for super cheap I got the following:

Concord grape jelly (.27)

4 boxes of name brand cereal ($1.25 each) 

2 boxes of Smart Balance popcorn (.29 for both)

salad dressing ($1.00-I splurged a little, lol)

Nature's Own loaf of bread (.49)

3 pack of Dial soap (.49)

2  4-cup packs of Hunt's Snack pack pudding (.19 for both)

2 boxes of Snackwell fudge cookies (.98 for both)

2 Mccormick taco seasoning mix packets (.25 for both)

2 cans of Chef Boyardee ravioli (1.00 for both)

Aunt Jemima 12-count frozen pancakes (.49)

2 tubs of Country Crock 15 oz. margarine spread (1.00 for both)

2 cartons of eggs (free-i had a coupon that doubled to $1.10 off of two plus an e-vic for free eggs when I bought two margarines. It was also a score that eggs were B1G1 at HT this week.)

Now, I know that you can't just feed your family cookies, grape jelly, and taco seasoning mix for a meal. I know that...but, you can shop smarter and supplement your pantry (or the local food pantry) just by comparing sales and coupons. The key is to use coupons to buy things when they are on sale at rock bottom price, so that you won't have to pay full price when you actually need the item.

If everyone donated just one item to their local food pantry, just think how stocked those shelves would be!

UPDATE: Calling All Crafters and Shoppers!

Are you crafty? Do you sew, crochet, knit, use a glue gun? Do you shop?

Seriously people, how can you say no to all of the above??

Well, whatever your area of expertise, your action is required.

My girlfriend Chinamommy is having a hat drive for orphans in China. You can read more about that here. The rules are pretty loose, but I think one thing to clarify when we say "hat" we mean something that is toboggan style, not a Harley Davidson ballcap. You understand? You can make the hat yourself, or if your hat making skills are sub-par (that would be me), you can purchase a hat to donate.

Come on friends, I've seen these cute little hats at the Dollar Tree so keep your eyes open. I mean, it's only summer and 90 degrees out so the stores will be having the fall items out soon. But seriously, get a toboggan from the DT, maybe embellish it with something super cute. Ooh, project!! All sizes of hats, from baby to teen, are accepted. I will get clarification on the type of hats that she is looking for since all sizes are being taken. UPDATE: I got a confirmation from chinamommy that because it can get cold in the orphanages, she is taking donations of hats that are fluffy and warm. Just like your heart will feel after you make your donation. :)

Just look at how excited these guys are! Below is a pic of some of the hats that chinamommy sent last year. Doesn't it just warm your heart? :)

Pic courtesy of chinamommy.

100% of Sales Will Be Donated to Hip2Help Tour

Previously I mentioned here that I am collecting items for Hip2Save's Hip2Help tour to benefit the tornado/flood victims in the South. Not only am I collecting items to send, but I am donating 100% of sales from now thru June 24th to the tour. So, swing by the shop and pick yourself out something pretty. You don't even have to think twice about splurging because you know that 100% is going to a good cause! I'll also be adding new items to the shop soon.

Please spread the word!

You may also see below for more information.