FREE Iams Kitten Food at Wal-Mart

Wal-mart has Iams kitten food regularly priced at $4.87 a bag! Use the $5 coupon from P&G 3/1 to get this item for FREE! Coupon Cravings offers a link to your nearest animal shelter so you are able to donate this item of you do not have a small kitten at home. Doesn't it make you feel good to help others (even without having to spend a dime?!) Animal shelters are definately taking a hit because of our economy. I love that we can still give back while being frugal. I notice I give back even more now than I ever did before!

While you are at it, get a FREE kitten care kit from Purina Here.

Thanks, Coupon Cravings for this charitable idea!

Hospitality

Once you begin "couponing" you will begin to notice you end up with a lot of extra toiletry items. Some of these extra toiletry items I find I have extra of include soap, razors, shampoo/conditioner, etc. I love these little extras because they are perfect for guests. When I have a guest coming to stay at our house I neatly place their towels as well as some "extra"toiletry items on the bed. I think this always makes someone feel a little extra special and of course is no extra trouble to me.

Another great hospitable treat I give are cards (most of the time, they are FREE personalized cards from stationary/photo companies.) This always makes for nice holiday (not just Christmas), thank you, and how are you doing notes. I don't feel bad spending some money on postage because it is always worth the smile they will have opening the card.

Couponing not only gives back to your family, but most importantly to the community and your family and friends...well worth all the time it took!

Giving Back

I started couponing almost a year ago. Since then I now spend a fraction of what I used to and bring home at least double the amount of groceries. I DO NOT need all these groceries. When I am not in need of an item, I donate. My personal philosophy is if I see an item on sale (and that I have a coupon for)and it is less than a $1, I buy it (even if I do not need it.) Why do I keep bringing things home my family doesn’t need? I do it because I am able to give back to those who ARE in need of these items, especially in today’s economy. You will soon learn that when you begin couponing correctly (see yesterday's post on seven tips to couponing) you are able to donate more to charity than you ever imagined.

Read a previous post Here on giving to others.

Using Your Gifts

Now that I have TRULY learned to budget buy/shop, the amount of donations I am giving has quadrupled (to say the least.) I get so many things FREE to cheap that it only makes sense to give back. Two fellow frugal moms had some great ideas on how we can give back to those in need.


Staci's Idea
Keep McDonald's gift cards (her family does denominations of $5) in the driver's side of your car and pass them out as needed. There are McDonald's everywhere and it gives the person a hot, caloric meal.


Jenni's Idea
Jenni keeps "supply" Ziploc bags stored under the passenger seat in her car. She fills her bags with the following items.

1) individual container of applesauce

2) granola bar

3) can of vienna sausage

4) bottle of water

5) spoon and napkin

6) letter with information about homeless services and stating that this is "God's love in a bag"


A great thing about Jenni's bag and Staci's gift card is you can adapt them to your family and what supplies or restaurants you have in your home/area.


I love them both and I am going to try to start doing this more. What a wonderful lesson this teaches your children, those in the car behind (or in front of ) you, and those we persons we help with our generosity. Let's use our gifts and give onto others.


PS The letter in Jenni's bag is copied and pasted below. Perhaps you can use it to adapt to your home/city, etc.


"GOD'S LOVE IN A BAG"

This bag was prepared by a child participating in Vacation Bible School at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. While filling the bag, we prayed for God's blessings on the people who receive them. We hope you enjoy these items!

Here are some Tallahassee organizations that provide assistance for homeless individuals and families:

THE SHELTER
480 West Tennessee Street, (850) 224-9055
Provides lodging, meals, showers and laundry services 365 days a year to anyone who requests these services - free of charge - provided they are willing to make a good faith effort to follow policies and procedures. Also provides support services and referrals to other area agencies.

BIG BEND HOMELESS COALITION/HOPE COMMUNITY
2729 West Pensacola Street, (850) 576-5566
Facilitates delivery of services to homeless families and individuals by providing education, advocacy and the coordination of community resources.

THE HAVEN OF REST
510 West Tennessee Street, (850) 224-7313
A rescue mission that accommodates 120-130 men every night, 365 days a year. Activities include: Bible studies, worship services and discipleship classes.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS/HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
(850) 521-5700 ext. 1217 or (800) 330-1070 ext. 1217
Call for information about services in the Tallahassee area and for appointments.

FREE Lemonade Stand and Charity Lesson for the Kids

I know it is hard to think of lemonade and lemonade stands in this cold, dreary weather but this is a great lesson for your little ones.

Go Here to get a FREE lemonade stand. Quantities are limited so don't wait. While signing up, list the charity where your proceeds will go and Sunkist will ship you a stand. If they run out of stands before you are able to request one, take advantage of their other great lemonade stand resources.

Lemonade For Sale Poster

Sale Price Sign

Stand Sales Tracker (what a great math lesson)

How to Price your Product

Lemonade, anyone?!?!

Say Thank You to a Solidier

It took only 15 seconds for my family to say "thank you" to a soldier. Contribute your thanks Here.