This time of year, with the holidays coming, we usually take time to remember those who are less fortunate. There are food drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, toy drives for Christmas, etc. I fully support participating in those drives to help others enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas.
But, there are still things that I can contribute. I can volunteer my time for sorting and packing food at the local food bank. I can volunteer to serve food at a soup kitchen. And, I can also use my frugal shopping to donate much needed items. Some ideas for contributing to charity:
- Purchase toys on clearance and save them for the Toys for Tots collection in Nov/Dec
- Purchase food and toiletries at the grocery stores and CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid when they are free or almost free and donate them to food pantries/etc.
Often times, people who are going through a rough economic situation can qualify for food stamps. But, food stamps don’t cover the basic toiletries that people need to live like toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste. So, I purchase those items when I can get them for great prices and donate them. I, personally, am currently donating my items to a family member and neighbor who are going through rough times. But, I have also given items to my church’s food pantry.
How are you helping others in need? Where do you donate your items? For more ideas that have worked for others, visit Rocks in my Dryer.
A box of items ready to go…
Corrie is a "cents"able wife and stay-at-home mom of 2 boys.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is my favorite part of using coupons and getting things free or almost free! My hubby just finished law school and we have never been in a position to be able to donate money to help others. Since starting couponing, I have a box of stuff that I get free to give away. I love that is has allowed me to do service.
Thanks for this post.
Our approach might not be for everyone, but this year my husband and I are donating to charity instead of buying each other gifts. There’s little we want or need, but we do want to leave a better, more just world for our children. And it turns out that shopping for a charity is truly just as satisfying as shopping for a sweater!
Next year, we’re talking about how to do something similar with my sisters – but we’re hoping to tie it to an activity, like maybe all doing a fundraising walk together.