$145 Worth of Items Donated to The Quinn House for $26.70!

Two days before Christmas, my husband, the kids and I dropped off some items to The Quinn House in Lawrenceville. Some of you may have heard me talk about the Quinn House before, but in case you haven't, it is now multi-task, non-profit outreach operation that assists hundreds of people in Gwinnett County and in other areas of the State. They have a Residential Program that provides housing for the homeless and offer a 40-day Drug and Alcohol Program to help individuals get back on their feet and re-enter society in a stable and productive way.

The men who live here are always so welcoming and willing to meet you at the car to help you unload. As several of the "regulars" greeted us, I couldn't help but be beyond grateful to God for His work in this ministry. They were beyond appreciative. What warms my heart the most about The Quinn House is that the men who live there would otherwise be homeless. But, what do they do? They drive around town in vans delivering food to others in need! They are an official operating food bank in Lawrenceville! They put together "care boxes" to needy Senior Citizens in the community!

To see the huge smiles on their faces when we unpacked 20 packages of Nestle Tollhouse Refrigerated cookie dough was priceless! They informed me that they would be enjoying lots of cookies for Christmas together. Here are the other things that "Clipping for a Cause" had the joy of donating that day:

24 bags of Steamfresh Vegetables
20 boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes
7 tubes of Colgate toothpaste

Saved: $118.49
Spent: $26.70

As we approach 2011, think about where you feel God is calling you to serve. Even if it's not helping to stock the shelves of local food banks through couponing, you have a purpose. We all do. It's our responsibility to be obedient to the call, whatever it may be!

2 Ways to Donate for Free (or Add to Your Stockpile) at Kroger this Week!

Kroger is having a great 10/$10 sale going on right now! If you are going there anyway to buy last minute things for your holiday dinner or bake-a-thon, clip a few extra coupons before you go and take advantage of these great freebies!

Ivory Soap, 3 pk or body wash, 10/$10
Use: -$0.25/1 Ivory Body Wash, Bars, or Hand Soap 11/28/2010 P&G Insert (exp 12/31/2010) (if your store doubles, this will be .50/1)
AND
-$0.50/1 Ivory Body Wash, Bar Soap or Hand Soap Kroger eCoupon here (exp 12/25/2010)
Combine both coupons and that gives you free soap! If you don't have 10 coupons on hand, it still makes for a really good deal! :)

Country Crock, 15 ounce spreads, 10 for $10 (through 1/1/2011).

-$1/2 Shedd’s Country Crock Spread here (exp 1/5/2011)
-$0.40/1 Shedd’s Country Crock Spread Upromise eCoupons here (exp 12/31/2010)
-$0.40/1 Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Product here
Combine your Upromise coupon with either of the other two printables and it makes it free plus a little overage!

Thanks I Heart Kroger!

Best Ways to Donate for Free or Pocket Change: Publix (Starting 12/16)

It's so easy to get wrapped up in what all we need to accomplish during the holiday season. I do it myself. Making an appetizer for the neighborhood party, hosting a cookie swap, holiday baking with the family, frying a turkey for Christmas dinner, etc. But..what about the people that simply want reassurance that they will have something, anything to eat each day? I was humbled on my way to Kohls last weekend. I will admit that I was in a hurry, I was dreading getting out in the cold to return some items, it was crowded, it got me in a mood that was anything BUT the Christmas spirit..and there he was-a homeless man freezing to death by the stop sign in the shopping center sitting on the curb. God certainly meant for me to meet him that day. When I got out of my car to introduce myself, he gave the sweetest smile, and I barely noticed the fact that he only had a few teeth right at first. My entire trunk of the van was filled with all of the items that I would be dropping off at the food bank the next day. Hundreds of items. I think he could have done a cartwheel after I told him that "he had first pick."

If you know me personally, then you know that I am not sharing that story to "pat myself on the back." That's not it at all. In essence, its purpose is to merely bring attention to those in our community who could really use our help to just slow down and take a little time to make a difference.

Here's some ways you can do that at Publix this week. One of my favorites is the Colgate toothpaste for a quarter! This would be a great item to donate to the Villa Lodge stockings for children this year if you are local!

Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Dough or Cookie Mix or Ultimates Cookie Dough, Assorted Varieties, 16 or 16.5-oz pkg, BOGO $2.95
-$1/1 Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough here
-$1/1 Nestle Refrigerated Cookie Dough 10/3/2010 Red Plum Insert (exp 12/31/2010)
-Makes each $0.48

Betty Crocker Potatoes, Assorted Varieties, 4.5 to 6.6 oz box, BOGO $1.59
-$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes 12/5/2010 General Mills Insert (exp 1/29/2011)
-$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes here (exp 1/5/2011)
-$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes 11/21/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 1/15/2011)
-$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes 11/14/2010 General Mills Insert (exp 1/8/2011)
-Makes each box only $0.30

Nabisco Crackers or Wheat Thins Stix, Assorted Varieties, 5.5 to 10 oz box, BOGO $2.99
-$1/1 Nabisco Crackers 11/14/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 1/2/2011)
-Makes each box only $0.50

Birds Eye Vegetables, all varieties, 50% off
-$1/3 Birds Eye Vegetables 11/14/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 12/26/2010)
-$0.35/1 Birds Eye C&W Variety 12/12/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 1/31/2011)
Great deal..prices vary!!

Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice or Brown & Wild or Whole Grain White, 4.4 to 6.7 oz box, 3/$4
-$1/1 Uncle Ben’s Product 11/14/2010 Red Plum Insert (exp 1/9/2011)
-Makes each box of rice only $0.33

Colgate Toothpaste 6.4 oz box, 10/$10
-$0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste 12/5/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 12/25/2010)
-$0.75/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste here
Only a quarter for toothpaste!

FREE Zone Perfect Bars at Kroger Through 12/18!

Now through 12/18, Kroger has Zone Perfect Bars on sale for $1. There was a $1/1 coupon in the 10/31/10 Smart Source paper, making them FREE! If this is something you don't particularly care for, consider clipping a few extra coupons and donating them! These make great snacks and homeless shelters such as the Quinn House would greatly appreciate this or any other food donation..including cold items!

Still Need Free Gift Ideas? *HOT* $20 Off Coupon Code At Swirl.com

If you are like me and like to wait until right up to the last minute to get the best deals, make sure you visit Swirl.com today and add some free gifts to the pile under the Christmas tree! They have some great items on their website for under $20 and with the WELCOME1 coupon code, you instantly get $20 off at checkout! You will have to pay shipping only, which will cost around $9. I was able to get two yo-yo's for my boys (pictured above) along with a set of 24 nose cups for the jokster in the family! ;)

Thanks Publix Coupon Queen!

$10/$10 Purchase at Hallmark Coupon! (Thanks I Heart Saving Money!)

Hallmark is offering another $10/$10 purchase now through 12/24! Make sure you hurry on over here and grab yours! This could make for some FREE or very cheap stocking stuffers! Or..if you have a hard person to buy for on your Christmas list, there are tons of great ornaments at Hallmark that you could use this for!!

30 Items. 23 Cents. $47.40 Saved.

Remember last week when I posted the Mega Sale deals at Kroger?! Well, here is a picture of just some of the items that "Clipping for a Cause" purchased from that sale for only 23 cents! These will be added to the car load of other non-perishables headed to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op next week! Co-ops like Southeast Gwinnett can never get enough tuna..which is why it is always on the "most needed items" list. Tuna is a great source of protein, which can stretch a long way for someone in need.

Pictured above are:

20 Packages of Tuna
6 Cans of Carnation Milk
1 Box of Cereal

Christmas Stockings for Villa Lodge Children

If you are local and live close to First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, consider donating a few items to fill a stocking for a child at Villa Lodge and Suites! Villa Lodge is located in Lawrenceville and is a hotel that offers discounted weekly rates for families or individuals who are in transition.

You can donate items by Wednesday, Dec. 15 in the Villa Lodge Ministry Box, Gibson Hallway, 3rd floor OR arrange for pick up with Heather Bonner.

Items needed are: wrapped hard candy, small toys, cards, play dough, action figures, personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, hairbrushes, bubble bath, soap, lotions, etc.

Best Ways to Donate for Free or Pocket Change: Publix (Starting 12/9)

As always, there are some GREAT ways this week at Publix that you can donate to your local food bank or homeless shelter! I know times get so hectic especially around the holidays, but clipping a few extra coupons or giving up a couple of items in your stockpile this season is a wonderful way to give back. It's stories like the one below that serve as a daily reminder there are people just like you and I who could use our help:

This is a client story that came directly from the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op's website. If you would like to learn more about the co-op and how you can help, click here

"My name is Lyle Hankins and I came to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op 1 month ago. I was recently laid off by the mortgage industry and I needed help. I was told to call the Co-Op by the untied Way. When I came in I was down and out and not knowing where my next meal would come from or when I would be going back to work. The Co-Op was very generous and gave me food. They also gave me a networking contact of how to find a job. Today I am very proud to say thank you because now I have a job and I’m getting back on my feet! I wish you could effect more lives of those in need within our community. Without the Co-Op I was lost and not only did they meet my needs but they helped me out spiritually as well."

Items You Could Donate For Under $1:

Wish-Bone Dressing, Assorted Varieties, 16 oz bot, BOGO $2.65
-$0.50/1 Wishbone Dressings or Salad Spritzers here
If your store doubles pay just 33¢ per bottle.

Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup, Assorted Varieties, 18.6 to 18.8 oz can or 15.3 oz bowl, BOGO $2.39
-$1/2 Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup here
Pay just 70¢ per can after coupon.

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix or Decadent Cake or Dessert Bar Mix, Assorted Varieties, 12.9 to 21.5 oz box, BOGO $2.69
-$0.50/1 Betty Crocker Decadent Supreme Cake Mix 10/24/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 12/18/2010)
-$0.75/1 Betty Crocker Decadent Supreme Cake Mix 10/24/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 12/18/2010)
If your store doubles, pay as little as 35¢ per box of Decadent mix!

Krusteaz Muffin or Cake Mix or Supreme Bar Mix, Assorted Varieties, 16.5 to 21 oz box or Sun-Maid Muffin or Cookie Mix, 18 or 18.25 oz box, BOGO $2.59
-$0.50/1 Krusteaz Muffin Mix 12/5/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 2/28/2011)
-$0.50/1 Krusteaz Muffin Mix 10/17/2010 Smart Source Insert (exp 1/31/2011)
If your store doubles, pay just 30¢ per box after coupon!
**Also a great idea to make and give for Christmas gifts !

General Mills Chex Snack Mix, Assorted Varieties, 12 or 15 oz bag or Bugles, 14.5 oz bag, BOGO $3.39
-$0.50/1 Chex Mix OR Chex 100 Calorie Snack here (exp 1/2/2011)
-$0.50/1 Chex Mix Chocolate 11/14/2010 General Mills Insert (exp 1/8/2011)
-$0.50/1 Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack here
If your store doubles, pay just 70¢ per bag of Chex mix!

Pepperidge Farm Cookies, Assorted Varieties, 5 to 7.25 oz pkg, BOGO $3.39
-$1/1 Pepperidge Farm Cookies here
Only 70¢ per bag!

Shedd’s Spread Country Crock, Regular or Churn Style, 15 oz tub or Twin Pack, 2 pk, 7.5 oz tub, BOGO $1.89
-$0.40/1 Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Spread 11/14/2010 Red Plum Insert (exp 12/12/2010)
-$0.30/1 Shedd’s Country Crock Spread 11/14/2010 Red Plum Insert (exp 12/12/2010)
-$0.40/1 Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Product here
If your store doubles, it makes each tub or twin pack only .15!

Smart Balance milk, half gallon, 2/$5
-$2/1 Smart Balance Milk 10/31/2010 RP Insert (exp 12/15/2010)
Pay just 50¢ per half gallon
**Before donating milk and other cold things, make a quick phone call to check and see if your local co-op accepts cold items. If they don't, they will be able to point you to another place that could use those items!

Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, 7 to 10 oz pkg (excluding Asparagus Cuts), 10/$10
-$0.50/1 Green Giant Frozen Vegetables here
FREE with printable

Thanks for the matchups I Heart Publix!

Rite Aid $5/$25 Printable: Through December 31st!

Now through December 31st, make sure you head here to grab your $5/$25 Rite Aid printable (you can print six on a sheet at one time)! Keep in mind also that some Publix stores consider Rite Aid a competitor, so it may be beneficial to check with your store manager as you could get $5 off your groceries! At my local Dacula store, they do accept these, but this particular coupon reads "Limit one per customer," so this particular one can only be used once per transaction!