Day 50- Couponing for the Community

My kindness today is really not just for one day, but something that has been on-going for some time.  For those of you who have seen or heard of 'extreme couponing' on TLC, I use a similar system, but let me just say, it is no where at the level these people do it!  I don't believe it is right to clear shelves; it's greedy.  So, with that said, I do use coupons to get a lot of free or nearly free items.  When I get extras that my family can not use, I like to donate to various community organizations.  When the tornadoes hit in close by areas, I was able to donate several bathroom items and food, thanks to planning ahead.  Besides, they need it much more than me. 

If you do coupon, I encourage only keeping what you need, and sharing with others.  There will be more coupons in the future ;)

Day 49- Photo Op.

While visiting our local gardens, I spotted the loveliest couple and their three kids.  Not only were they having a good time, but they were all actually smiling and enjoying each other!  This stood out in stark contrast of all the other parents yelling at their kids (poor management, if you ask me... which you didn't! ha).  Isaac and I were having a great time and when we happened to be behind them waiting to cross a bridge, I asked if they wanted me to take their picture- it was a beautiful photo op!

They were stunned that someone would offer, and kept going on and on about how sweet it was while rummaging for a camera, which they didn't appear to have.  Being that I am now somewhat technically savvy, I pulled out my phone and offered to send their picture to an email address.  I was pretty pleased with myself ;)  And then they found their camera... ha ha. 

It turned out to be a really great photo :)

Day 48- Plan USA

Today we sent our sponsorship money and a letter to Julius.  He is our sponsor child through Plan USA who lives in the Philippians.

Plan USA strives to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries by:

• Enabling children, their families and their communities to meet basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies;
• Fostering relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries; and
• Promoting the rights and interests of the world’s children.

Sponsoring a child is just one of many ways to help children worldwide.  Check out some other ways to give:


Ways To Give

Day 47- Box Tops!

We have been saving Box Tops for an entire year now!



Box tops are a super easy way to make a difference, whether or not you have a child! Most schools have competitions each year to see which class can raise the most, so if you aren't using them, I am pretty sure your favorite child will be happy to take them off your hands :)

Day 46- Fire Department Piggy Bank

Today I thought I would help our local Fire Department be able to put a little extra in their personal piggy banks by getting a fabulous deal on a few dinners for them- Man Meals!  lol.  Seriously, these guys stay so busy that they usually just have time to run in and out of the store to get dinner, and usually don't get a great deal (sorry guys!).  Because I take advantage of local sales and coupons, with a little planning, I can incorporate in some meal ideas for the FD if they are interested, which they usually are, as it cuts the cost of dinner in half!  I'm happy to do it, and glad that they are saving what they can as well. 

Thanks Station 26 for all your hard work!

Day 45- United Way

Today I took United Way's Pledge (http://www.liveunited.org/) to join one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors.  I plan on contacting http://www.childrenspeacecenter.org/ to apply as a Peace Educator.  There are so many opportunities, please take the pledge, and let me know which opportunity you will pursue!

Our Mission

United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

Our Goals

In 2008, United Way initiated a 10-year program designed to achieve the following goals by 2018:

• Improve education, and cut the number of high school dropouts — 1.2 million students, every year — in half.
• Help people achieve financial stability, and get 1.9 million working families — half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable — on the road to economic independence.
• Promote healthy lives, and increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors.

Our goals are ambitious, but with your help, and by utilizing our core strengths — a national network, committed partners and public engagement capacity — we can achieve them.

Day 44- Give & Take

My mom is coming to visit soon and I have a nice big guestroom for her to stay in.  Unfortunately, there is also nothing in it.  We have been doing some rearranging and pairing down of furniture.  Figuring she might want a soft place to sleep at night, I was able to find a next-to-new covered mattress on freecycle.  Noticing the lady also had a posting asking for baby items, I looked around.  I happened to have two cans of ready to use Similac formula that I was going to donate (somewhere, at some time I swear!) that had been collecting dust for a while.  For all of you wondering why I would buy such a random item to donate (especially since I don't have a baby anymore!) the answer is coupons. 

Formula happened to be on sale for $3.87, and I had a coupon for $5.  Some stores will give you the overage to use on your bill.  Bonus for me, bonus formula for someone in need!