SHARK BITES – Couponing for Charity
Have you ever thought about gifting some of your freebies from couponing or winnings to a local charity or homeless shelter? If so, is it something you do year round? Or, do you let items pile up in bulk, then give specifically around the Christmas holiday season? Or, do you pick from a holiday ‘Angel Tree’ that is geared towards children and senior citizens?
Sharing is Caring!:
If you answered yes, to any of the above questions, then also ask yourself this… what do you feel a charity needs the most?
Clearly, all types of people are in need around the world. If you choose to help in contributing aid/assistance in this problem, I suggest that you first contact your local shelters, to find out what specific items are needed the most. You may also want to ask yourself if you want to help a specific cause, like women and children that are in domestic violence situations, child abuse cases, mental health cases, or even substance abuse cases. There simply is a gamut of types of causes one can assist, because the need is so great! It really just depends on where you want to help, and how generous you want to be.
Many organizations can use all types of products and clothing, to help people in their time of need. The holiday season seems to be the most impacted, due to families— regardless of their size (ie: single parent units, or whole family units). Unfortunately, many folks lose their job positions before or around the holidays. This can make anyone in this type of situation feel hopelessness and despair hope.
It’s Great to Donate!:
Unfortunately, people in need sometimes fall into hardships that are difficult to get out of— even with an agency assisting. Many simply just fall through the cracks. That’s where we come in. We can help in alleviating some of the pressure local charities and shelters face, by donating items as follows like: toiletries and grooming products, such as, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, combs and brushes, compact mirrors, shampoo and conditioner, shower caps, wash cloths, deodorant, shaving razors, shaving gel, toilet paper, compact tissue packs, antibacterial wipes, makeup, chapstick, sample perfumes and colognes that we get in the mail. Even Sephora allows customers 3 samples per visit. There are baby needs like: baby wipes, pampers, baby bottles, baby formula, bibs, baby clothing and toys. There are clothing items for girls and boys; women and men like: shoes, socks, footies, underwear, t-shirts, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, hats and coats. There is also a need for feminine products like: pads and tampons. As well, disposable underwear for any person (woman or man), is also a need for those dealing with incontinence issues. Tena has a great line of adult underwear. And, they offer coupons from time to time that have a price range up to $14.00. Let’s not forget that children need items to occupy their time like: coloring books and crayons, pencils and notebooks, and even books to simply read. As you can see…the list of items to help in these situations can go on and on. And we sometimes even see donation freebies, such as the one I posted yesterday.
Shop ‘Til You Drop for a Good Cause:
We can purchase all the above mentioned products from many nationally known dollar store chains. We can also “cash in” points or rewards, and do coupon match-ups from companies like Kmart, CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid. Also, we are certain to find deals at any given time, from Walmart and Target. As far as food that people in need can take on the go: juice boxes, peanuts, crackers, water bottles and juices, packaged tuna and crackers, puddings, fruit cocktail, applesauce, etc etc. All of these are great items to give away!
Tip: Make sure any canned goods like fruit cocktail have the pull away tab lids.
We the People:
We can help feed folks, not only in shelter situations, but also any homeless people seen on the streets. Don’t forget that some homeless shelters are churches in the community, where people go to at different times and different days of the week. Unfortunately, many have to fend for themselves in getting to each location, as they may change up daily or weekly. They may be fed and have shelter during the evening and overnight hours. However, they may be left to fend for themselves during the daytime hours— regardless of the weather. As we all know, the weather can be very cruel and harsh on people— especially those with children, disabled, or with illnesses. Compact umbrellas, hair bonnets, and rain ponchos, are ideal items to have in this type of situation.
Tip: Sample shampoo bottles, combs, brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash, can be collected from any hotel visits you may have had. 🙂
Sharky Says #PayItForward!:
Keep in mind that just because someone is homeless or in a shelter, doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of human kindness. Anyone can be placed in a situation that can cause their life to be turned upside down in a blink of an eye.
Note: Local and statewide agencies, like your local Social Services, can assist in directing anyone looking to donate or volunteer in a homeless shelter or local charity.
Remember to always take a “bite” out of your wallet when shopping, and leave your shopping experience as a ‘Savvy Sharky” winner!
~Sharky
P.S. Sharky Poll:
Sharky wants to know if you’ve ever donated items you won or scored with couponing! What agency or shelter did you donate to? What items did you donate? If you’ve never donated before and are in the position to do so, will you consider it in the future? Have you ever thought of organizing your own workplace canned food drive? Discuss!
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
