Comments on: An opportunity to donate extra household products http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:52:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Beth at 20bucks4charity http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272836 Beth at 20bucks4charity Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:01:24 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272836 Thank you so much for re-emphasizing the need to give to others that are in need instead of just hoarding items that you couldn't possibly use in the next 20 years. Taking the saving ideas from this site and others, I have been able to take $20 a month and turn it into a great donation for a deserving cause. I always keep a box stashed away to put all the free stuff in, and then try to meet a chosen charitie's wish list with $20 and coupons each month! Thank you so much for re-emphasizing the need to give to others that are in need instead of just hoarding items that you couldn’t possibly use in the next 20 years. Taking the saving ideas from this site and others, I have been able to take $20 a month and turn it into a great donation for a deserving cause. I always keep a box stashed away to put all the free stuff in, and then try to meet a chosen charitie’s wish list with $20 and coupons each month!

]]> By: Nikki http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272835 Nikki Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:38:50 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272835 God provided amazingly abundantly for our family of 5 through the last couple months, largely due to all the coupon use and sales. A family at church went through a fire and needed items replenished. I was able to go through the cupboards and put together about 8 FULL bags of groceries, toiletries and cleaning supplies. And we still had enough for our family. The next week I again got great deals and re-filled the stocks on just $36. Once again God brought another family who were needing some help. So I went through and filled another 6 full bags to deliver to this family. The best part was as we talked with the boys about how God provided abundantly for us in order for us to provide abundantly for others. Being rapidly growing boys, they became rather nervous about giving away so much food (food is VERY important to these boys). So I took them on a tour of the pantry, refrigerator and downstairs extras stocked. I showed them that God had not only provided for these families through us, but that even after giving away so much we still had at least as much food for our own family's needs as we would normally have after I go shopping for the week. They were amazed, and it was a wonderful time to glorify God within our family for His abundant provision -- on only $36. God provided amazingly abundantly for our family of 5 through the last couple months, largely due to all the coupon use and sales. A family at church went through a fire and needed items replenished. I was able to go through the cupboards and put together about 8 FULL bags of groceries, toiletries and cleaning supplies. And we still had enough for our family. The next week I again got great deals and re-filled the stocks on just $36. Once again God brought another family who were needing some help. So I went through and filled another 6 full bags to deliver to this family. The best part was as we talked with the boys about how God provided abundantly for us in order for us to provide abundantly for others. Being rapidly growing boys, they became rather nervous about giving away so much food (food is VERY important to these boys). So I took them on a tour of the pantry, refrigerator and downstairs extras stocked. I showed them that God had not only provided for these families through us, but that even after giving away so much we still had at least as much food for our own family’s needs as we would normally have after I go shopping for the week. They were amazed, and it was a wonderful time to glorify God within our family for His abundant provision — on only $36.

]]> By: Amber http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272834 Amber Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:08:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272834 I work at social services in my local area. Another worker was telling me that she often has to buy products for her clinets, such as personal products and cleaning product. I have been saving those items in my "give away box." Every 5th item that I get on my bargin hunts, I place in the box. I had planned to take them to a local church, but found that there was a urgent need now. I brought a huge box of shampoo, soap, fem. products ...well just to much to name. Come to find out, there was a woman and two daughters fleeing another state in a dom. violence case. She just choose my state because she had to get away and knows no one here. She is really starting all over again. The items went to her family. I feel so blessed to have been able to help this family! It also reminds me that such things could happen to people we love. Even though we may be stangers, I try to treat everyone like my family. Perhaps some day, my children may need a hand and someone will be there to help. I work at social services in my local area. Another worker was telling me that she often has to buy products for her clinets, such as personal products and cleaning product. I have been saving those items in my “give away box.” Every 5th item that I get on my bargin hunts, I place in the box. I had planned to take them to a local church, but found that there was a urgent need now. I brought a huge box of shampoo, soap, fem. products …well just to much to name. Come to find out, there was a woman and two daughters fleeing another state in a dom. violence case. She just choose my state because she had to get away and knows no one here. She is really starting all over again. The items went to her family. I feel so blessed to have been able to help this family! It also reminds me that such things could happen to people we love. Even though we may be stangers, I try to treat everyone like my family. Perhaps some day, my children may need a hand and someone will be there to help.

]]> By: Becky @ 4 Days in a Week http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272833 Becky @ 4 Days in a Week Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:13:11 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272833 Recently, my son's school asked for donations of things to send to the troops over seas. It was wonderful to be able to go through our stockpile and send soap, deo., bodywashes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, canned goods, etc. Such a blessing to have so much on hand for those that need it! Recently, my son’s school asked for donations of things to send to the troops over seas. It was wonderful to be able to go through our stockpile and send soap, deo., bodywashes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, canned goods, etc.
Such a blessing to have so much on hand for those that need it!

]]> By: Brook http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272832 Brook Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:55:12 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272832 I have been saving some stuff to use in the Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes. Since I started 'CVSing' in june, I have sent probably a bag every 2 weeks, to my mother in law, who can use the stuff, as well as taken a box of stuff into church for people who need it to take what they want. Lately we have been talking about making 'care packages' for missionary families that need them. Great to hear everyone's ideas! I have been saving some stuff to use in the Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes.
Since I started ‘CVSing’ in june, I have sent probably a bag every 2 weeks, to my mother in law, who can use the stuff, as well as taken a box of stuff into church for people who need it to take what they want.
Lately we have been talking about making ‘care packages’ for missionary families that need them.
Great to hear everyone’s ideas!

]]> By: Jennifer S. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272831 Jennifer S. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:32:24 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272831 As a single girl I can't really go through the number of tubes of toothpaste I can get for free or almost free, no matter how clean I want my teeth to be. I keep a bag in my stockpiling closet and fill it with all the pieces I know I won't use. Also, whenever I see something useful for really cheap, I buy it and put it in the bag. It may be shampoo, school supplies, I even put in cereal when I managed to get it for 35 cents a box during the Target deal last week. I save it up and then deliver it to one of the shelters in the area, either a shelter for women and children or one for mainly adults, depending on what it contains. Since I've recently gone back to school and am a full-time student I don't really have money I can donate, but I feel good being able to donate these things, even if I didn't pay much for them. As a single girl I can’t really go through the number of tubes of toothpaste I can get for free or almost free, no matter how clean I want my teeth to be. I keep a bag in my stockpiling closet and fill it with all the pieces I know I won’t use. Also, whenever I see something useful for really cheap, I buy it and put it in the bag. It may be shampoo, school supplies, I even put in cereal when I managed to get it for 35 cents a box during the Target deal last week. I save it up and then deliver it to one of the shelters in the area, either a shelter for women and children or one for mainly adults, depending on what it contains.

Since I’ve recently gone back to school and am a full-time student I don’t really have money I can donate, but I feel good being able to donate these things, even if I didn’t pay much for them.

]]> By: Black Sheep Dancing http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272830 Black Sheep Dancing Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:18:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272830 I love to write letters, so I write a letter and send a box of stuff to the troops in Iraq from my home town. After doing my CVS runs I have boxes set out and just distribute appropriate things evenly and mail when they get full. I let my 2 year old color or paint pictures for a dash of artwork as well. Because it's just me paying for postage, I rotate the list as to who gets a whole box and who gets a letter. I love to write letters, so I write a letter and send a box of stuff to the troops in Iraq from my home town. After doing my CVS runs I have boxes set out and just distribute appropriate things evenly and mail when they get full. I let my 2 year old color or paint pictures for a dash of artwork as well. Because it’s just me paying for postage, I rotate the list as to who gets a whole box and who gets a letter.

]]> By: Sadie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272829 Sadie Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:08:20 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272829 I used to spend all the money I got doing Pinecone Research surveys on cloth dipes for my kids, but my kids have outgrown that stage, so I now donate that Paypal money to a charity serving in Haiti (www.RealHopeForHaiti.org) - it's a pair of sisters and their dad who run a clinic and a rescue center for malnourished children in a rural mountain village called Cazale. My daughter was also able to participate in the Pink Lemonade Brigade this summer (free lemonade stand and free cans of lemonade to sell!) and was able to donate all of the money she raised to Real Hope as well. They recently have had a lot of problems with flooding from the Hurricanes, and everyone in the village lost their gardens, so they know that there will be even more problems with food shortages in the coming months. They have a wish list of all the things that they need - peanut butter, diapers, baby bottles, etc. as well. You can view their blogs at: http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/ and http://www.xanga.com/haitinurse4life/ (warning: there may be some graphic medical related photos) And here is the direct link to see the list of their needs: http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/current-needs/ I used to spend all the money I got doing Pinecone Research surveys on cloth dipes for my kids, but my kids have outgrown that stage, so I now donate that Paypal money to a charity serving in Haiti (www.RealHopeForHaiti.org) – it’s a pair of sisters and their dad who run a clinic and a rescue center for malnourished children in a rural mountain village called Cazale. My daughter was also able to participate in the Pink Lemonade Brigade this summer (free lemonade stand and free cans of lemonade to sell!) and was able to donate all of the money she raised to Real Hope as well. They recently have had a lot of problems with flooding from the Hurricanes, and everyone in the village lost their gardens, so they know that there will be even more problems with food shortages in the coming months. They have a wish list of all the things that they need – peanut butter, diapers, baby bottles, etc. as well. You can view their blogs at:
http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/
and
http://www.xanga.com/haitinurse4life/
(warning: there may be some graphic medical related photos)
And here is the direct link to see the list of their needs:
http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/current-needs/

]]> By: barbie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272828 barbie Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:57:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272828 Hi Money saving mom. I enjoy your site. Happy belated birthday...uh 27 is YOUNG!!! Hi Money saving mom. I enjoy your site.
Happy belated birthday…uh 27 is YOUNG!!!

]]> By: DW http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272827 DW Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:38:47 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272827 This summer, after flooding in my state, I was able to put together a small box of freebie toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant to donate to flood victims. I also regularly clip cat food/litter coupons and send them with any freebies to a no-kill shelter that we help support. This summer, after flooding in my state, I was able to put together a small box of freebie toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant to donate to flood victims.
I also regularly clip cat food/litter coupons and send them with any freebies to a no-kill shelter that we help support.

]]> By: Kim B. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272826 Kim B. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:44:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272826 Most shelters prefer to give out travel/trial size toiletries because homeless people have very little space to carry full-size toiletries. When you can get a travel/trial size toiletry item for free (toothpaste, deodorant, soap, sanitizer, etc) you may consider donating those items to your local shelter to hand out to the homeless. Most shelters prefer to give out travel/trial size toiletries because homeless people have very little space to carry full-size toiletries. When you can get a travel/trial size toiletry item for free (toothpaste, deodorant, soap, sanitizer, etc) you may consider donating those items to your local shelter to hand out to the homeless.

]]> By: Cathe http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272825 Cathe Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:24:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272825 I haven't been able to donate much yet - just some bottles of cough syrup - because I am just getting started. I just wanted to say, Crystal, that you are obviously glorifying God in this - look at how many ladies have been able to help others by using the methods we are learning from you! I haven’t been able to donate much yet – just some bottles of cough syrup – because I am just getting started.

I just wanted to say, Crystal, that you are obviously glorifying God in this – look at how many ladies have been able to help others by using the methods we are learning from you!

]]> By: Kasey http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272824 Kasey Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:25:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272824 Last week when I was walking out of Kroger I handed off my 2 $2 catalinas to a woman who looked like she might have needed them (she had a cast on one leg, a brace on the other, and her clothes were worn). It's fun to make extra money, but if feels really good to pass it on to someone who needs it more. I have also made a deal with one of the charity leaders in my church- she set aside a shelf on a closet for me to bring in all my extra stuff, and she and others can use the items as needed to pass on to others who might be in need. Honestly, being able to to have extra to give is one of the best parts of couponing! Thanks for helping to make it possible for me and my family! Last week when I was walking out of Kroger I handed off my 2 $2 catalinas to a woman who looked like she might have needed them (she had a cast on one leg, a brace on the other, and her clothes were worn). It’s fun to make extra money, but if feels really good to pass it on to someone who needs it more.

I have also made a deal with one of the charity leaders in my church- she set aside a shelf on a closet for me to bring in all my extra stuff, and she and others can use the items as needed to pass on to others who might be in need.

Honestly, being able to to have extra to give is one of the best parts of couponing! Thanks for helping to make it possible for me and my family!

]]> By: A.D. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272823 A.D. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:15:58 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272823 P.S. on my previous post. Here is the link to my blog showing the tote bags we are making: http://make--do.blogspot.com/2008/08/making-bags.html P.S. on my previous post. Here is the link to my blog showing the tote bags we are making: http://make–do.blogspot.com/2008/08/making-bags.html

]]> By: A.D. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272822 A.D. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:13:02 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272822 Since I started CVSing (other stores too, but I like the word CVSing) a year ago I have donated hundreds of dollars worth of personal care items and food. For years our family has put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Then I started making weekly donations to our local food bank. Most recently I helped begin a project at church with the womens ministry. We are making cute fabric tote bags for the battered womens shelter and filling them with full size toiletries: shampoo, soap or body wash, toothpaste and brush, deodorant, and washcloth. All this fits inside a gallon zipper bag, which fits inside the fabric tote. I have made several bags already, but tonight will be the first night the ladies get together to sew. We are so excited! We plan to have a sewing day about 4 times a year. More on my blog: http://make--do.blogspot.com/2008/08/donating-to-charity.html If anyone is interested in doing a similar thing I would be happy to pass on my bag instructions. Just go to my blog and leave a comment. Since I started CVSing (other stores too, but I like the word CVSing) a year ago I have donated hundreds of dollars worth of personal care items and food. For years our family has put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Then I started making weekly donations to our local food bank.

Most recently I helped begin a project at church with the womens ministry. We are making cute fabric tote bags for the battered womens shelter and filling them with full size toiletries: shampoo, soap or body wash, toothpaste and brush, deodorant, and washcloth. All this fits inside a gallon zipper bag, which fits inside the fabric tote. I have made several bags already, but tonight will be the first night the ladies get together to sew. We are so excited! We plan to have a sewing day about 4 times a year. More on my blog: http://make–do.blogspot.com/2008/08/donating-to-charity.html

If anyone is interested in doing a similar thing I would be happy to pass on my bag instructions. Just go to my blog and leave a comment.

]]> By: Bethany http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272821 Bethany Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:44:01 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272821 We regularly make up bags of toiletries for single moms. We also ship many things to the Philippines for distribution among a village. We regularly make up bags of toiletries for single moms. We also ship many things to the Philippines for distribution among a village.

]]> By: Carol http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272820 Carol Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:38:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272820 I just recently had learned how to shop at Walgreens and was getting a small stockpile. Then my assistant in my classroom ended up having to leave her home and all her belongings, along with her three children. I was able to give her 2 sacks with new toiletries and food. If it had not been for my stockpile, I would not have been able to afford it. Now I "buy" things I can get for free or less than .50 even if my family does not use them just for those cases when someone may truly be in need. Thank you for helping me help others. I just recently had learned how to shop at Walgreens and was getting a small stockpile. Then my assistant in my classroom ended up having to leave her home and all her belongings, along with her three children.
I was able to give her 2 sacks with new toiletries and food. If it had not been for my stockpile, I would not have been able to afford it.
Now I “buy” things I can get for free or less than .50 even if my family does not use them just for those cases when someone may truly be in need. Thank you for helping me help others.

]]> By: Michelle H. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272819 Michelle H. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:36:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272819 My job took up a collection a few weeks ago for the Galveston police officers (probably the same one as Reagan, since I'm in the Dallas metroplex, too), and I packed up 3 boxes of snacks, toiletries & medication. I send care packages to a single mom friend who is putting herself her through medical school right now. Not having to pay for toiletries has been a big help for her while she's paying for school. The rest either gets used at home or sent as care packages to relatives. I love free stuff! My job took up a collection a few weeks ago for the Galveston police officers (probably the same one as Reagan, since I’m in the Dallas metroplex, too), and I packed up 3 boxes of snacks, toiletries & medication.

I send care packages to a single mom friend who is putting herself her through medical school right now. Not having to pay for toiletries has been a big help for her while she’s paying for school.

The rest either gets used at home or sent as care packages to relatives.

I love free stuff!

]]> By: Mandy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272818 Mandy Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:25:10 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272818 Me and a friend are getting all the members in our church a four month supply of everything they need. We are able to do this with all of our extras and freebies that we will continue to get. Me and a friend are getting all the members in our church a four month supply of everything they need. We are able to do this with all of our extras and freebies that we will continue to get.

]]> By: Rachel W. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/10/an-opportunity.html/comment-page-1#comment-272817 Rachel W. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:19:15 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/10/an-opportunity.html#comment-272817 Thanks for sharing this. After just adopting a child from Russia, I understand the need out there. I'll be contacting Rebekah shortly. Thanks for sharing this. After just adopting a child from Russia, I understand the need out there. I’ll be contacting Rebekah shortly.

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