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!