Sunday, March 13, 2011

Couponing for charity

Do you clip coupons for items you don't normally use? I do. Here is an example of how this benefits both you and someone else. If you clip a coupon for an item such as cat food for $1.50 off one package, and go to the store only to find a bag that runs $1, then you can use the coupon and get it for FREE. If you are lucky enough to find it at a store that allows coupon overages, then you now made $.50 towards your total purchase. Then take that item and drop it in the food pantry bin, or drop it off at another local charity collection point. I have limited storage space, so it is simply easier for me to drop stuff off one item or two at a time, but if you have a place to store a "chairty box", then you could pile them up and take them a box at a time to the charity. When you do the box method, you are eligible to for a tax receipt. This makes it a double dip for you - first you got the overage, now you have a tax receipt for the retail value of the items you donated.

Here are a few items that make good donations to your local food pantry:
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Sugar
  • Bisquick
  • Canned veggies
  • Canned fruit
  • Juice
  • Baby formula
  • Pet food
Here are a few  items that make good donations to your local shelters:
  • Female sanitary products
  • Deoderant
  • Toothpaste and brushes
  • Shaving supplies
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Laundry soap
  • Paper products such as toilet paper, facial tissues
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Baby formula
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Clothing
    • All sizes, especially womens size 14 and above
    • Socks and underware
    • Hats and gloves
    • Bibs
    • Infant onesies

No comments: