Thursday, February 4, 2010

Here Goes Nothing!

A couple of months ago, I began noticing status updates on people's Facebook profiles: "I went to Publix and saved $100 and only spent $10." Being the casual couponer I was at the time, it did spark somewhat of an interest to acquire my own receipt outlining the same wonderful savings, but quickly fizzled. It wasn't until I overheard a neighbor discussing how she ran into another neighbor at Publix and the conversation went something like this: "Yeah, Heather, she said she stocked her freezer full of Hungry Man meals and they paid HER for 20+ boxes!" Let's just say that got my attention.

Since then, couponing has become my number one hobby. Call it nerdy if you want, but maybe when you see future blog postings about my 80-90% savings, you will want to be a nerd with me! I look forward to Sundays. Just seeing that paper sitting there on the grass waiting for me to run out like a crazy woman: barefoot, mismatched pajamas and disheveled hair..yikes-you get the picture! It takes only seconds once inside to tear it apart, uncovering the layers to get to best part of all: COUPONS! Thankfully, the kids somehow all got the memo that Sundays are meant to be a day of rest and during their 3 hour naps, the clipping begins.

When I couple the Sunday paper savings along with competitor coupons, and online manufacturer's coupons (Southernsavers.com is a phenomenal website) I can't help but wonder...why didn't I start doing this a long time ago!? However, it has quickly become apparent that each time I proudly unload my groceries, I am acquiring a lot of items considered "money makers" that I never intend to use. Who needs 20 packs of Yakisoba Noodles, 10 bottles of vitamins, 6 boxes of Ritz Crackers, or 15 4-packs of Benevia Juice anyway?? We may not, but others do. While we are fortunate and extremely blessed...more people than ever have been affected by our economy, leaving many food banks in our area with empty shelves. So..why not combine the love of couponing and saving money with the appropriate resources to help others?

I encourage you to do what you can as well. Whether it's the "free" item from a buy one, get one deal that could be donated, or items on shelves that will never be touched, share it with someone who really hates asking for "handouts" or who may not know where their next meal is coming from. If you see me on a regular basis, feel free to drop your donations off with me. If not, you may have another charity in mind. For purposes of my new venture, my "extra" food will be split between the Lawrenceville Co-op, the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative, and the homeless. Together, we can make a huge difference. Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments.

9 comments:

  1. This is GREAT! I am so proud of your new venture! To help people on a daily basis will be so rewarding!
    LOVE!
    KT

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  2. Heather,
    Ok, not only are you MY new HERO but I am certain you are a hero to many who will never have the pleasure of meeting you! Thank you for blessing those who need assistance in these hard times! You are building an ARK one Act of Random Kindness at a time! ["We can do no great things, only small things with great love." —Mother Teresa]
    I am so proud of you!!
    ~Christine S.~

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  3. this is AWESOME!! i cant wait to see next weeks deals!

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  4. Thank yall so much for all your kind words!! I really appreciate it and hope this takes off! Christine..you are so sweet! Mom told me you even emailed her about loving the idea so much and you don't know how much that means!!

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  5. Just before I was laid off in April of 09, Jackie started doing this with coupons (even had a blog like yours for a while). I poked fun at her at first. It takes a lot of time, as I am sure you are aware. Sometime during her second pregnancy, it became too much. I picked up a new job in August and during my down time, found couponing again! Needless to say, I don't poke fun at her anymore. We donated quite a bit of the freebies to the Church we attend that Jackie obtained while she was heading it up. I'm excited to find a friend that is so enthusiastic about it! I look forward to your future posts and sharing our experiences too!

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  6. Heather,
    You never cease to amaze me! This is such a great idea and I look forward to helping the cause and seeing your progress!
    Kim

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  7. Thanks to everyone again for your support! Paul, I did realize from FB postings that Jackie was into this too. At the time when I would see her post about her savings, I felt like I didn't have the time to put into it. It took about a month for me to realize that whatever time does go into it is WELL worth it..and the more you do it each week, the faster you get. That's so great that you donated your "extras" to your church. In the future, I would like to get a group together who would like to clip, grocery shop, and deliver together. If yall see a future posting like that, and would like to, please let me know! I would love it!
    Kim..thank you! I think I am going to start by asking for "coupon donations." If you (or neighbors, or friends) do not use the coupons in the Sunday inserts each week..I would like to start by compiling a separate pile from my own designated just for the food banks, etc. I really appreciate you wanting to help!!!! It means so much to me!

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  8. Hi Heather, great new site. I have been couponing and donating for over 30 years. I now go down to my local domestic violence shelter and teach the women how to "coupon" and "rebate". Their eyes open so wide when I spread all of my free "loot" on the table and show them how they can do it too. I recently gave away over 200 Halls cough drops because my Publix had them Bogo and I had bogo coupons- all free. It is such a good feeling to help those who need help, especially now! I'll be checking in with your regularly. Keep up the good work.
    Dianne

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  9. Dianne..that is WONDERFUL! What an inspirational story you have. To combine teaching others about what you do with giving away items is the perfect combo!! It really is such a good feeling to help those in need..I completely agree. Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and read my article. You keep up the great work too!! Now I have something to work towards! 30 years!!

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