John writes:
Today, I smiled. Why? I bought feminine hygiene pads. That thing most men dread, I did with a great big smile on my face. See, it’s not only the food issues that we should remember when we’re having this conversation but also the basic necessities that most would do without in low-income homes, not to mention those who are homeless.
We shop our local Walgreens frequently for the deals and to earn register rewards. Today, I bought two packs of maxi pads at a cost of $2.00 each. As a result of the purchase I got store rewards that were equal to the amount of the purchase price minus taxes ($4.00). This isn’t some big “Extreme Couponing” trick, and it is something that anyone can do.
I plan to buy 24 packs of these pads during the promotion, a total investment of $48.00 plus tax. With the $48.00 in rewards I will buy other necessities for those that need them such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, fleece blankets, each additional item perpetuating my initial $48 of giving, growing it more and more. Eventually the rewards will run out and I won’t have helped everyone I will have helped some though, and some is a lot better than none.
While I was checking out, the woman behind me listened to what I was doing and why. She turned around and bought two packs herself to donate. Before I even left that store today my initial $48.00 donation had already grown by $4.00.
Sometimes you don’t have to give until it hurts to help someone hurt just a little less.
Michael writes:
We have recently started keeping a bag behind the door into which we drop such great buys as the one John mentioned above. When the bag is full of toiletries and other similar items, they are donated to a local shelter so that those in need are able to feel just a little more normal.
It is a small gesture, but one that we wish more couponers and deal finders would put into practice. It is easy to get things like body wash, toothpaste and even toothbrushes for free after coupons and store deals and for nothing more than the cost of taxes you can accumulate a great stockpile of items that your local shelter probably needs right about now.
MEALS
BREAKFAST: $1.00
tea
sugar
creamer
oatmeal
LUNCH: $1.03
hot dogs
apples
BREAD: $1.06
1 loaf sandwich bread
6 hamburger buns
DINNER: $1.30
burgers
fries
TOTALS
- Consumed Today: 4.39 [+5.91 for the day]
- Consumed To Date (week): 4.39 [+5.91 for the week]
- Consumed To Date (month): 64.85 [+71.57 for the month]
- Spent To Date: 159.59
- Remaining Balance: $119.59
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Have you shared this challenge with your friends & loved ones? Why or why not?
