Yesterday's Mobile Food Drive: Over 1100 Items Donated to Southeast Gwinnett Co-op!

Unbelievably amazing things have happened over the past couple of days. I want to take a minute to share some of them with you because it is clearly evident that they weren't just a coincidence, or "co-inky-dink" as I like to say.

1) First of all, I think I can speak for most of us involved in "Clipping for a Cause" that seeing the images of bare shelves at the co-op truly brought tears to our eyes. Laura Drake, director of Southeast Gwinnett Co-op sent a desperate plea out to everyone she knew asking for prayers and donations to feed over 70 needy families. The shelves were empty as you witnessed in the photographs. The very next day, 5-2 Ministry of Snellville, GA which is another coupon ministry similar to ours, donated over 2,000 items to re-stock the shelves. It was nothing short of a miracle.

2) The Gwinnett Daily Post contacted us earlier in the week to do a story on what Clipping for a Cause is all about. They came to our meeting on Wednesday night and stayed for over an hour, interviewing and taking tons of photographs. One of our church ministers was present to show her support, and before the chaos got started, she said a prayer for us about following God's plan to provide food for His people in the midst of a crisis. After all of the excitement got underway, pictures snapping, the scissors clipping, loud laughing and conversations..an older woman walked into the room with tears in her eyes. I knew she wasn't part of the ministry, but I knew I recognized her from somewhere. "I am a member at the church," she said. "You came to talk to us recently about "Clipping for a Cause" and how you all donate to surrounding organizations using coupons.." She then explained that she wanted to remain anonymous and wrote out a check for $100 and told me to stretch it as far as possible. I couldn't hold back the tears and when I hugged her for a long time, she was speechless to learn that $100 is as much as we have spent in 5 months on everything we've donated to date while saving over $2000.

3) Not only did Southeast Gwinnett need food, but they were completely out of toilet paper. A lot of people don't realize that even with food stamps, you can only use those on food items, not non-food items. So, personal care, paper goods, etc. are not covered with food stamps. An email blast went out to the entire "Clipping for a Cause" group only 3 hours before we met Wednesday night explaining the TP need. When I arrived, I opened up our cabinets where we store our coupons and there were over 50 rolls donated in that short amount of time.

These events along with the fact that more people than ever came to clip coupons and shop for items Wednesday night go to show you that this didn't all happen by chance! Not only that, but I couldn't even see my poor kids or their car seats because of cramming over 1,000 donated items in my car Thursday to deliver! Words can't begin to express the gratitude and joy I have toward others who are obediently following the call to help others.

FREE Softsoap for Special Needs School of Gwinnett: Please Consider Donating if you Won't Use it Yourself!

Starting today at Publix, Softsoap handsoap is free after using the coupon here. This is something that Special Needs School of Gwinnett could really use right now. Remember, you can print two from your computer, and if this is something your household really doesn't use, please consider donating it to "Clipping for a Cause!"

Bare Shelves...

I don't know about yall, but I am a visual person. Seeing this photo put into perspective how serious the food bank crisis is. These are shelves at the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. Whatever you are doing right now, please take a moment say a prayer for food banks across America and the people who need food so desperately.

Best Ways to Donate for Free or Pocket Change: Publix (Starting 7/29)

If you ask me, this is a great upcoming Publix ad with several opportunities to donate! If you see more, please add them in the "comments" section!

Old El Paso Dinner Kit, Assorted Varieties, 8.4 to 19.2 oz box, BOGO $2.95
$.50/1 OLD EL PASO PRODUCT, ANY(EXCLUDES REFRIGERATED, FROZEN, OR SOUP PRODUCTS) – 07-11-10 Smart Source
Makes Each only $0.48!

Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup, 24-oz bot, BOGO $1.75
$0.20/1 Hunt’s Ketchup 6/20/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
Makes Each only $0.48
Even Less if you have the Publix $5/10 Con Agra Products "Pool Party" Coupon)

Softsoap liquid hand soap 7.5oz bottle, 10/$10
$0.50/1 Softsoap Hand Soap PRINT
Makes it FREE

Yoplait Go-Gurt Portable Yogurt, Assorted Varieties, 8-pk. 2.25-oz tube BOGO $2.79
$0.85/1 Go-Gurt PRINT
Makes each box $0.55!

Thanks I Heart Publix!

Free Ravioli at Publix!

My friend Traci sent me a great deal this morning I wanted to share with you! Currently, Chef Boyardee is on sale for $0.75 each. She found this $1/1 Target Coupon, which would make it free plus overage if your store accepts Target as a competitor! Hurry..the new sale starts Thursday (Wednesday in some areas)!

Best Ways to Donate for Free or Pocket Change this Week at: Kroger

Kroger's new ad started yesterday (7/25) and runs through 7/31. If yall have any other ones to ad, please leave a comment! Thanks to Zeal for a Deal for the matchups!

Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna Select Varieties, 5 oz Can, 2 For $1
Makes each $0.50

Gillette, Old Spice or Zest Body Wash Select Varieties, 10-18 oz, $2.99
$2/1 Gillette Body Wash or Deodorant 7/4/2010 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
Makes each $0.99

Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick or Teen Spirit Deodorant, Select Varieties, 1.4-2 oz, $0.88
$0.75/1 Lady Speedstick Stainguard Deodorant PRINT
Makes each $.26!

Crest Toothpaste Select Varieties, 6.4 oz Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush Select Varieties, 1 ct Mix Or Match, 10 for $10
$1/1 Crest Paste 4 oz+ 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste 4oz+ 6/6/2010 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$1/1 Oral-B Cross Toothbrushes 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
Toothpaste and Toothbrush are FREE!

Dove Soap, 1-Bar Ivory or Safeguard Soap or Body Wash Select Varieties, 3 Bars or 7.5-12 oz Mix Or Match, 10 for $10
$0.50/1 Zest, Safeguard or Ivory 6/6/2010 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$1/1 Dove Body Wash 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/25/2010)
Makes it FREE!

Southeast Gwinnett Co-op: OUT of Food...Please Read!

From Laura Drake, Director of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry: OUT OF FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SCRAPING TO GET THROUGH THE DAY.
STOPPED AND PRAYED. CRITICAL

This absolutely broke my heart to read. Because of a similar crisis at the North Gwinnett Co-op, "Clipping for a Cause" had already committed to helping them stock the shelves this month. These are our neighbors. People like you and I who have fallen on hard times, some having to ask for "hand-outs" for the very first time in their lives. People who have no other choice. My prayer is that although we have made a prior commitment, perhaps enough food donations will come in prior to Thursday's mobile food drive that we will be able to split the food between both co-ops. Please take a moment to consider donating anything..even if it's one can, and we'll do whatever it takes to get it to the people who need it so desperately. Thank you.

More Free Smart Balance Milk Starting Tomorrow at Publix!

For those of you who missed the first round of free Smart Balance milk a few weeks ago, starting tomorrow (today in some areas) at Publix, you have another chance! The milk will be on sale for 2/$5 and combined with the 7/11 Smart Source coupon for $2.50/1 that equals FREE! I realize you may need to expand your horizons a little bit to taste this if you are used to getting the same old gallon of 2% milk. But..I found that you really can't taste a difference, especially on cereal, and it's better for you! So..why not give it a try?!

Enter for Your Chance to Win a $100 Publix Gift Card

Make sure you visit ClickCallMail for your chance to win one of five hundred $100 Publix gift cards! Good luck!! We all know how much damage we could do at Publix with coupons and $100!

Change for a Change: 7/22-7/28

I am really loving Zeal for a Deal! Each week, she updates a column called, "Change for a Change." It basically outlines specific purchases you can make while at the grocery store to then donate and make a difference for only $3 out of pocket! This week, I am especially liking the FREE Crest toothpaste idea that starts at Publix 7/22! Make sure you visit this website when you get a moment. It's an effortless way to give back, as it is already thought out for you..coupons, final price and all!

Timber Ridge Subdivision in Lawrenceville, GA Will Assist in this Month's Mobile Food Drive!

A huge thank you goes out to all of my former neighbors in Timber Ridge neighborhood in Lawrenceville, GA. This month, they have come together to support Clipping for a Cause and many homes are getting involved! To date, the mobile food drive mainly consists of donations gathered from my personal neighborhood and surrounding friends and family. The goal is to eventually branch out and increase the number of drivers within the organization so that more are able to participate!

If you or someone you know may be interested in organizing a neighborhood mobile food drive in your area, please contact me!

Best Ways to Donate for Free or Pocket Change this Week at Publix!

Starting tomorrow (today in some areas) at Publix, there are several ways you can donate to your local food bank for free or pocket change! Here are the best ones I found using the "Super Deals" list on I Heart Publix

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, Assorted Varieties, 11 or 12 oz bag, @ BOGO $2.39$-$0.50/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers PRINT
Only $0.20 a bag after doubling!

Kellogg’s Eggo Pancakes .53 to 16.4oz box, BOGO @ $2.79
-$1/2 Eggo Frozen Products 6/20/2010 RP Insert
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Item, waffles or pancakes – TARGET COUPON
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Products- 06-27-10 Red Plum (PUBLIX COUPON)
Combine the manuf. coupon with either the Target or Publix coupon to get them for only $0.40 a box!

Kellogg’s FiberPlus Cereal, Antioxidants: Cinnamon Oat Crunch or Berry Yogurt Crunch, BOGO @ $3.99
-B1G1 Kellogg’s Cereal TARGET PRINTABLE
-$.50/1 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Cereal Printable-$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals, 10 oz + (exp 8/1/2010)
FREE after combining the Target B1G1 coupon and 2 $0.50/1 Manuf. coupons!

Hershey’s Syrup, Assorted Varieties, BOGO @ $1.67
-$1/3 Hershey’s Syrup or Toppings 6/27/2010 Smart Source Insert
Makes it $0.50 per bottle

General Mills Fiber One Toaster Pastry, Assorted Varieties, 11-oz box, BOGO $2.29
-$0.50/1 Fiber One Toaster Pastries 7/11/2010 Smart Source Insert
Only $0.15 per box after doubling!

Bic Disposable Razors, Assorted Varieties, 3 to 8-ct pkg BOGO $5.49
-$2/1 BIC Disposable Shaver 6/27/2010 Red Plum Insert
-$3/1 Bic Soleil Disposable Shavers 7/11/2010 Smart Source Insert
Either Free or $0.75 a package! (Here in GA, the Quinn House, which houses homeless people, absolutely loves receiving razors as personal care items like these are in great need!)

Bayer Aspirin 24 to 36 ct, 3/$5
-$1/1 Bayer Aspirin product 24 ct. or larger – 06-27-10 Red Plum
Only $0.66 per item after coupon!

Clipping for a Cause...Danville, Virginia Style!

This was an email sent to me by Elizabeth, who has just started up a local "Clipping for a Cause" chapter in her hometown of Danville, Virginia. The following text was taken from the newsletter that was sent out to congregation members of Mt. Vernon church:

July 12, 2010
Clipping for a Cause!
Your help is needed to begin a new local mission
project! Clipping for a Cause is a very
inexpensive way to provide a huge amount of
food and other supplies to God’s Storehouse
and other local charities. How can you help?
You can bring your unused Sunday newspaper
coupon inserts to church (the inserts are the
manufacturer coupon inserts, not all of the
store sale flyers are necessary). Yes, that is
all you need to do!!! A collection box will be in
the children’s lobby area each week.
A group of volunteer shoppers will use the coupons to purchase food and personal care items
for donation to God’s Storehouse. Throughout the year, the group may shop for other local
charities that are in need. If you know of an organization that needs specific items, please
contact Elizabeth @ 799-2709.
You will be amazed at how much we can give! Please take a moment on Sunday mornings to
bring your unused inserts to church. This is an ongoing mission project, so bring them every
week. Thanks!

26 Donation Items Purchased for $2.51

This is just a little, itty bitty fraction of some of July's donations so far. The success of this effort would not be possible without people willing to give their unused coupon inserts to the cause, or the people who make themselves available to clip and shop for the items needed each week!

Here is the breakdown:

(2) Glass Plus @ $1.25 Each
Used: 2 Internet Printables for $1/1 (No longer available)
Total: $0.50

(4) Emerald Trail Mix @ $1
Used: (4) Manufacturer's Coupons from 6/13/10 Smart Source for $1/1
Total: FREE

(5) Musselman's Applesauce @ $0.94
Used: (5) Publix Coupons from "Smart Savings Booklet" for $0.75/1
Total: $0.95

(5) Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo @ $1
Used: (5) Publix Coupons from Yellow Savings Ad for $1/1
(5) $1/1 Manufacturer's Coupon from 6/13/10 Smart Source
Total: -$5.00

(2) French's Mustard @ $0.93
Used: (2) $0.50/1 Printable
Total: -$0.14

(4) Ken's Marinades @ $1.40
Used: (4) $1/1 Manufacturer's Coupons
Total: $1.60

(4) Uncle Ben's Rice @ $1.15
Total: $4.60

Monthly Mobile Food Drive-July 29th!

Mark your calendars for this month's Mobile Food Drive! I want to make it a personal mission to make July's the biggest drive yet. Ever since I received two separate emails from organizations who need our help more than ever, I feel even more passionate about us assisting in any way we can. So..please consider donating this month if you are local. Even if it is just 1 can! If everyone donated just a can of food, do you realize what a big impact that would make on the current food bank crisis?

This month donations will be benefiting the following local organizations:

1) North Gwinnett Co-op (serving clients in Suwanee, Buford and Sugar Hill)
2) Special Needs School of Gwinnett
3) The Quinn House of Lawrenceville (cold/frozen items)

Clipping for a Cause is Now on Facebook!

I know, I know! It's about time!! That's what you are all thinking, right?! Well, when you have a chance, please locate the "Clipping for a Cause" group on Facebook. It will include monthly reminders of upcoming events, and recent news pertaining to the ministry!

North Georgia Co-op In Great Need: Just Received this Email From Connection Church...

The North Gwinnett Co-op, which serves the Buford, Suwanee, and Sugar Hill areas, has made an urgent request to keep the shelves stocked! Please join in this cause to help those in need in our community. Below is a list of items currently requested:
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Pasta and Sauces
Rice
Boxed Meals
Canned Meats
Canned Fruits
Canned Veggies
Cereal
Bathroom tissue
Paper Towels

Interesting Article Regarding the Food Bank Crisis-1 in 8 Americans Seek Assistance...

The following article was obtained from www.economyincrisis.com:

One in Eight Americans Seek Food Banks
by Dustin Ensinger on February 9, 2010

Struggling to make ends meet due to the economic downturn that has left nearly 15 million people unemployed, tens of millions of Americans are flocking to food banks, soup kitchens and emergency shelters in need of food assistance, according to a recently released report.

Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank network, found that 37 million Americans - or one in eight - seek emergency food assistance annually, including 14 million children and three million elderly individuals. That is a 46 percent increase from Feeding America’s last study, which was conducted in 2006, before the Great Recession.

"Clearly, the economic recession, resulting in dramatically increasing unemployment nationwide, has driven unprecedented, sharp increases in the need for emergency food assistance and enrollment in federal nutrition programs,” Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America, said in a press release. “Hunger in America 2010 exposes the absolutely tragic reality of just how many people in our nation don’t have enough to eat. Millions our clients are families with children finding themselves in need of food assistance for the very first time.”

Also underscoring just how much the economic downturn is affecting the average American, the report found a 68 percent increase in the number of those unemployed for less than one year seeking food assistance.

Even those that remain employed are having a tough time feeding their families. Thirty-six percent of client households had at least one working adult.

Many of those families are faced with extremely difficult choices. According to the study, 46 percent of clients report choosing between paying for utilities and food; 39 percent say they had to decide on paying the mortgage or rent or for food; 34 percent say that they skipped medical bills in order to pay for food.

“It is morally reprehensible that we live in the wealthiest nation in the world where one in six people are struggling to make choices between food and other basic necessities,” said Escarra. “These are choices that no one should have to make, but particularly households with children. Insufficient nutrition has adverse effects on the physical, behavioral and mental health, and academic performance of children. It is critical that we ensure that no child goes to bed hungry in America.”

The influx of hungry Americans seeking food assistance is putting a severe strain on the groups that serve them. The report found that 5.7 million people are seeking food assistance each week, a 27 percent increase from 2006. That is making it extremely difficult for oftentimes under funded food banks and soup kitchens to keep up. According to the report, 70 percent of food pantries are finding it difficult to meet the needs of their clientele and 73 percent of emergency shelters are struggling to keep their doors open. The reasons most often cited were a lack of funds and supplies.

“While we have reached many more people over the past four years, the need of hungry Americans far outpaces our current level of service,” stated Escarra. “We will continue to partner with federal and state governments, corporate and individual donors and other hunger-relief organizations to bring more food and funds into the charitable distribution system and connect people with federal benefits until every man, woman and child has access to adequate food and nutrition.”

Best Ways to Donate for FREE or Pocket Change this Week at Publix!

Last night, we had a great turnout at "Clipping for a Cause!" A lot of people came eager to clip and shop, and let me just tell you we had plenty of coupons to keep us occupied! We have so many donated inserts each week that we have to have at least 2 people in charge of JUST organizing all of the coupons we get. On average, for any 1 item we "purchase" and donate to the food bank, we have between 40-50 coupons!! I want to stress again that we never take 40 coupons to one store and wipe out a shelf of any one product. We divide all of them up between about 7 of us and all go to different stores...as we are extremely considerate of other shoppers coming in behind us!!

Anyway, thanks to I Heart Publix, as the following list was compiled using the list from her "Super Deals" section! Here are some of the coupons we clipped last night and will be shopping for this week to donate:

Musselman’s Apple Sauce, Chunky or Natural, 23 or 24 oz jar, BOGO (Buy one, get one) @ $1.89
-$0.75/1 Musselman’s Publix Smart Savings Booklet
Makes it $0.20!

Nature’s Own Bread, 100% Whole Wheat, 20 oz loaf, BOGO $2.85
-$.75/1 Nature’s Own here (zip 23322)
Makes it $0.68!

Luigi’s Italian Ice, Assorted Varieties, 24 or 36 oz box, BOGO @ $2.99
-$0.50/1 Luigi’s Real Italian Ice 5/16/2010 Red Plum
-$0.50/1 Luigi’s Product 6/27/2010 Red Plum
After doubling, this is only $0.50 a box (Locally here in Georgia, we take all cold and frozen items to the Quinn House, and the people who live here fight over these!!)

Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt, Assorted Varieties, 4 pk, BOGO @ $2.50
-$0.50/1 Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt 4 pk 6/27/2010 Smart Source
-$0.50/1 YoPlus Yogurt 4pk 6/20/2010 Smart Source
After doubling, this is only $0.25 per 4 pk!

Glass Plus Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner, 32 oz bot, BOGO $2.49
-$1/1 Glass Plus Cleaner here
Only $0.25 after coupon!

Ziploc Bags 8 to 25 ct, 2/$4
-$1/1 Ziploc Product Target coupon here
-$0.40/1 Ziploc Brand Bags 5/16/2010 Smart Source
Combine both coupons to get some Ziplocs for only $0.20!

"Clipping for a Cause" Article Highlighted on the Saving and Giving Website today!

If you have a moment, please visit the Saving and Giving website here to read an article complete with photos that was posted today all about "Clipping for a Cause!"

Change for a Change-How $3 Can Make a Difference

If you have a moment today, please visit this link for a great resource on how 12 QUARTERS help people in need. Each week, Tiffany at Zeal for a Deal posts her "Change for a Change" article highlighting specific purchases you can also make and set aside to donate to your local food bank.

Coupon Clipping Party Tomorrow, July 7th at 6pm!

If you are local or already part of the "Clipping for a Cause" ministry at First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, don't forget that we will meet in room 131 for our bi-weekly clipping party tomorrow night at 6pm. Nursery is available and all are welcome to attend! No worries if you aren't an "extreme couponer!" We would love for you to join us and teach others what it's all about!

This month, we will add the Special Needs School of Gwinnett to our list of organizations we assist. They are in desperate need of the following items:

Paper towels
Toilet paper
Lysol
Lysol/Clorox wipes
Baby wipes
Hand soap
paper products - plates, cups, napkins, forks, spoons, etc.
Copy paper
Post-it notes
Bleach
Pencils
Notebook paper
Classroom supplies
Dry erase markers