Publix: Best Ways to Donate This Week for Free or Pocket Change!

I have a lot of folks ask me about items that can be donated to local charities like food banks, etc. A lot of us (including myself at one time) assume only non-perishable foods could be donated. However, each place is different. You have noticed from the blog that "Clipping for a Cause" supports several different charities..each with their own individual needs. What this means is that we need everything from toilet paper, to frozen veggies to personal hygiene items to spaghetti noodles! Nothing is off limits! Here are the best ways to donate to your local charities for free or pocket change this week! Thanks to "I Heart Publix" for the suggestions!

Ken’s Steak House Dressing, or Lite Accents, Assorted Varieties, 7 or 16 oz bottle BOGO $3.29
-$1/1; $1/2 Ken’s 16 oz Dressings or Lite Accents, Any – 05-09-10 SS
$0.65 after coupon!

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes, Assorted Varieties, 4 or 4.1 oz pouch, BOGO $1.25
-$.75/3 Idahoan PRINT
Use the printable and pay 38¢ per pouch after coupon!

Knorr Sides, Assorted Varieties, 12 to 13.25 oz package (Excluding Plus Veggies) BOGO $1.49
-$.45/1 Knorr product– 05-02-10 SS
-$.55/2 Knorr Rice and Pasta Products- Family Is It’s Own Reward Booklet (Publix Coupon)
-$.60/2 Knorr Rice & Pastas -05-23-10 RP
Combine two $.45/1 manufacturer coupons with the Publix coupon and get two packages FREE

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta, Assorted Varieties, 12 or 13.25 oz package, BOGO $1.79
-$.75/1 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, Any – 04-11-10 SS
Pay 15¢ per box after coupon!

Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn, Assorted Varieties, 4.8 to 13 oz box, BOGO $2.75
-$.75/1 Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn NEW Cheese Flavored any package (3-pack or larger) – 05-16-10 SS
$0.63 A box!

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables, Assorted Varieties, 12 oz bag, BOGO $2.39
-$1/2; $.40/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Frozen Vegetables, Any – 03-28-10 SS
-$.50/1 Green Giant Veggie PRINT
Use the $.50/1 to pay 20¢ per bag after it's doubled (40¢ per bag using the $.40/1 coupon)

Right Guard Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, Total Defense, Assorted Varieties, 2 to 4 oz package, BOGO $3.99
-$1.50/1 Total Defense PRINT

Lee's Inspirational Story with Photos!

Here is some background information before I quote exactly what Lee (a member of First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville and Clipping for a Cause) wrote in her email to me this morning. I have never met her before in my life before this Sunday! We were merely "email friends" before that...communicating back and forth about "Clipping for a Cause", how she could get started couponing, how she could get involved, etc. I began by directing her to the blog and answering any questions that I could for her. In a matter of weeks, I could "feel" the transformation over the emails! Lee would express that she had gone coo-coo for coupons (and so many of us can relate!) and couldn't stop! Taking a leap of faith on her own..she followed the suggestions posted on the blog for ways to donate for free or pocket change and proof of her successful shopping trips is pictured above!

I can't help but share the email she sent to me today. Her enthusiasm is contagious as you will see!

From Lee:
"Can't tell you how excited I am about this ministry. I am officially a crazy coupon person as I took my first pictures of stuff last night. The 1st picture (on the table) is all the FREE stuff I have to donate to Clipping for a Cause! The free stuff just makes me so happy because I had no idea this was even out there until I read your blog. The 2nd pic is the other stuff I have to donate (most items < $1).

Can't get the stuff to you today for the mobile food drive, but wondered if I could bring it to you on Sunday.

And, I mentioned Clipping for a Cause to my neighbors at a cookout on Sat and as of yesterday I had 17 inserts in the drop box I put on my front porch!"

A 58 Cent Donation!

Ever since we started the "divide and conquer" method of shopping for "Clipping for a Cause," I have noticed a huge difference. As you have heard me explain before, each month, we are amazed at the growing number of coupon inserts being donated! Some weeks, we come in to clip and there are 100+ inserts to organize! Therefore, we have started having to divide up the coupons so that one person isn't buying 40 items from one store and wiping them out! (I know this makes you happy to know!)

Anyway, here is a recent photo of Carrie's shopping trip that totaled 58 cents! She is new to the ministry, but a pro at couponing! All of the pictured items will be included in the delivery during tomorrow's Mobile Food Drive that will benefit the Lawrenceville Co-op, Family Promise of Gwinnett and The Quinn House of Lawrenceville.

(4) Bags of Fisher Fusion Snack Mix @ $1
USED: (4) $1/1 from 2/28 SS
TOTAL: FREE
(1) Schick Razor @ 0.99
USED: $2/1 from 4/11 SS
TOTAL: FREE Plus OVERAGE

(8) Boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes @ 0.79
USED: (8) $1/2 from 3/28 SS
TOTAL: $2.32
(3) Bottles of Nivea Body Wash @ $3.89
USED: (3) $4/1 from 5/2 RP
TOTAL: FREE Plus a little Overage

Shrek-tacular Savings & Giveaway!

Michelle has a fun giveaway going on right now over at I Heart Publix! Make sure you visit her website soon for your chance to win this package containing lots of great items!!

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

Here is the long list of deals we concentrated on last night at the "Clipping for a Cause" clipping party at First United Methodist Church. What another awesome night we all had! I would have to say at least 75-100 more coupon inserts were donated, including Publix coupons to match them up with for even bigger savings! I am in awe of this ministry and am so grateful for each and every person who has become a part of it!

We have gotten to the point where sometimes, we have so many coupon donations, we have 30-35 clipped for the SAME free item! What a great problem to have to have to split the coupons between 4 and 5 people to then go out to different stores to get the items! We certainly don't want to wipe out one store of that particular item!! Is it just me though, or are more and more people beginning to master this couponing thing?! The Publix manager's must have cramps in their hands writing all of those rain checks! :)

McCormick Grill Mates Marinades .71 oz to 1.25 oz, 5/$4
-$.50/1 -McCormick Grill Mates Blend, Marinade Or Spice Rub, Any – 04-18-10 RP (exp 5/30)
FREE!

Fisher Fusions Trail Mix 2/$2
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + – 02-07-10 SS
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + – 02-28-10 SS
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + – 01-10-10 SS
-$1/1 Fisher product, any 4 Oz. + – 12-13-09 SS
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + – 12-06-09 SS
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + – 11-15-09 SS
-$1/1 Fisher Product, Any 4 Oz. + - 11-22-09 SS
FREE

Schick HYDRO 3 Razor, $5.99
-$1/1 Schick Hydro Razor, Refill, or Shave Gel GREEN Adv Buy Flyer
-$5/1 Schick Hydro 05-09-10 SS
Free after both coupons!!

Schick HYDRO Shave Gel, 8.4 oz, 2/$4
-$1/1 Schick Hydro Razor, Refill, or Shave Gel GREEN Adv Buy Flyer
-$1/1 Schick Hydro Shave Gel 05-09-10 SS

Nivea Body Wash $3.89 (Green Advantage Buy price through 5/21) .
$4/1 Nivea 05-02-10 RP
FREE

New York Texas Toast Croutons .99 yellow flyer sale untill 6/4/10
.50 New York Texas Toast Croutons 5/16 (This Q will be out in this coming Sunday's paper)
= FREE

Mahatma Valencia rice .99
.50/1 4/25 RP
= FREE

Carefree Ultra liners .99 Green Adv. Flyer sale price good till 5/21/10
BOGO 3/28/10RP
1.00 4/25/10 SS
= FREE

Yoplait Fiber one yogurt BOGO 2.50
1.00 3/21/10SS - coupon expires 5/15/10
= $0.25 each!

Betty Crocker Potatoes BOGO 1.59
1.00/2 3/28/10SS
= $0.30/box!

A $4.54 Donation...

For those who do better seeing things visually like myself, I thought a picture would help put into perspective just how little it takes to start making a difference today by helping to stock the shelves of food banks that need it so desperately!!!!!! They don't just need food items..they need everything from personal hygiene items to diapers to toilet paper, you name it!

While saving close to $150 on these items, only $4.54 came out of pocket. These were several transactions combined by various members of the "Clipping for a Cause" ministry. Although some of these deals were from last week and over now, I couldn't help but share this with you.

(6) McCormick Grill Mates @ 5/$4 (Current Sale in Yellow Adv. Flyer)
USED: 0.50/1 from 4-18 RP (Red Plum)
FREE

(12) Carefree pads @ 0.99 (Current Sale)
USED: $1/1 4/25 SS (Smart Source)
FREE

(4) Ramen Noodles @ 0.17 (Always the Price at Wal-Mart)

(17) Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse Dressing (BOGO Last week at Publix) @ $1.73
USED: $2/1 from 3/14 SS
FREE

(9) Pop-Tarts @ $1.20 (BOGO Last Week at Publix)
USED: 3 $1.25/3 from 3/28 RP
$7.05

(6) Dove Anti-Perspirant Deodorants @ $1.15 (BOGO Last Week at Pulix)
USED: $1/1 from 4/25 RP
$0.90

(5) Schick Razors, Travel pks 0.99 (Always the price in the travel section @ Publix)
USED: $2/1 from 4/11 SS
FREE Plus OVERAGE

Free Gillette Body Wash

If you or your hubby needs a "manly" alternative to that old boring bar soap, I highly recommend Gillette Body Wash! We got about 8 bottles of it for free the last time a deal came up like this, so we should be set for a while, but if you missed out, here is your chance. Right now, Target has the 8 oz bottles on clearance for under $2. Dollar General has them 2 for $4! Use your coupon from 5/2 P&G for $4/2 and stock up! :)

May 19th- Mobile Food Drive

Mark your calendars! The next "Clipping for a Cause" mobile food drive will be next week, May 19th. All donations will benefit the Lawrenceville Co-op, the Quinn House of Lawrenceville, and Family Promise of Gwinnett. If you live in the area and are interested in donating non-perishable food, personal care items, or even cold/freezer items, please contact me! If you are not in Gwinnett County and are interested in organizing your own mobile drive in your area, I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have before getting started!

Stamp Out Hunger: Saturday, May 8th! Great Way for All of Us to Make a Difference!

Did you know that food banks everywhere have experienced a 30% increase in demand as the economy has worsened?

While so many of you have already started "Clipping for a Cause" on your own too, there is another way you can help coming up this Saturday, May 8th!!

All you have to do is place a bag of non-perishables in your mailbox. Your mail carrier will then take them and deliver them to your local food bank.

It's so unfortunate that right here in our own neighborhoods, people are struggling to make ends meet. Together, we can make a difference and pledge to "Stamp Out Hunger." Please click here for more information.

A Great Deal Starting at Publix Tomorrow--Thanks to my Friend Jason!

OK yall, I am convinced after this one that my coupon buddy Jason has way too much time on his hands! I needed a Tylenol after reading through this deal because my head hurt so bad thinking about it! (JK) Anyway, I thought I would share it with you, after of course he informed me of the $10 commission he was charging for me to put it up on my site!

That being said, I am directing all questions and headaches to his site!!! Click here to visit One Man's Plan for Free and Cheap Groceries!

Here's the deal:
There is a coupon in this week’s flyer for a $10 Publix gift card when you buy a $50 Prepaid Amex card. There is a $4.95 activation fee, but it is still worth it as you come out $5 ahead as you will have $60 worth of gift cards with only $55 out of pocket. You can roll this into a second transaction. If you do that on your first transaction then get the $25 groceries and the $50 BP card, you can use the $10 coupon for the BP card, the $10 Publix gift card, and the $50 Amex to come out ahead of the game making the BP card even cheaper. Even without any other coupons, it still is an awesome deal. Money makers would make this one even better!

$50 BP card
$25 groceries
=$75 total

-$10 BP card Coupon
-$10 Publix card
-$50 Amex card
=$5 left to pay

Best Ways to Donate for FREE or Pocket Change Starting Thursday at Publix!

Ragu Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 16-26.3oz jar BOGO (Buy one, get one free) $2.19
-$.75/1 Ragu Pasta Sauce, Any 16- 66 Oz. (Target Coupon) – 04-25-10 RP
*Check to make sure your store considers Target a competitor. If so, the sauce will be 0.35 cents!

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts, Assorted Varieties, 13.5 to 15.2 oz box, BOGO $2.39
-$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts, any 8 ct + packages – 03-28-10 RP
Makes each box .78 cents!

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing or Farmhouse Originals, 16oz bot BOGO $3.45
-$2/1 Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Dressing, Any 16 Oz. – 03-14-10 SS
FREE After Coupon

Dove Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, Assorted Varieties, Invisible Solid 2.6 z pkg (Doen't Include Dove Ultimate) BOGO $2.29
-$1/1 Dove Body Mist Or Deodorant, Any – 04-25-10 RP
You pay .15¢ per item after coupon!

Nivea Body Wash is priced at $3.89 (Green Advantage Buy price through 5/21) .
There is a $4/1 Nivea coupon from 05-02-10 RP which makes it FREE!

Thanks, I Heart Publix!

FREE Carefree Sanitary Napkins-In Great Demand at Food Banks Everywhere!!

Although not the most fun and exciting item to put up on the conveyor belt at the checkout line, food banks everywhere are in great demand of donations such as sanitary napkins. All of us gals need these, but imagine being rationed 8 to a bag each time you needed them. Because they are "non-food" items, clients are unable to use their food stamps on these products. The reason for the 8 per bag is because each donated package is torn apart and then divided among small plastic bags to assure that each woman gets some. As you can see, the demand for these items far exceeds the supply.

Currently, WalMart, Publix and Rite Aid have Carefree sanitary napkins for under a dollar! (0.94 cents and 0.99 cents for the 18-22 count). There was a $1/1 coupon in 4/25 Smart Source for any Carefree product, making them free!

If this is something you use..by all means, take advantage of it yourself! If not, please consider picking it up and donating it to "Clipping for a Cause" or your local food bank if you are outside of the Atlanta area!

Recent Stats...3 Months In

A lot of you have been asking..."how many items have been donated to date?" "How much have you saved?" "How much has been spent out of pocket?"

Well, here ya go!

I looked back on past blog posts and the very first one was dated February 4, 2010.

Since then:

2,277 Items Have Been Donated (including Mobile Food Drive items)
Amount Saved: $779.92
Amount Spent Out of Pocket: $30.44

3rd Mobile Food Drive-734 Items!!!!!

First off, thank you to every single person who donates to our monthly food drives. To have a vision, and see it come alive month after month is indescribable! On Thursday, "Clipping for a Cause" gathered and donated 734 ITEMS that were distributed among three different organizations. If this is the first time you have heard about a "Mobile Food Drive," the concept is simple. It's very similar to the Salvation Army's way of gathering donations. Neighbors, friends and community members are asked to place a bag on non-perishables outside of their doors to be picked up and delivered for them. If interested, please contact me! As part of our effort to "stock the shelves," we do this once a month!

In April, all personal hygiene items benefited the residents at the Villa Lodge and Suites in Lawrenceville. Nearly 200 items from soap, toothpaste, razors, medicines, dishwashing liquid, vitamins, etc. were delivered to these families in need!

All cold/freezer items were delivered to The Quinn House of Lawrenceville. Employees at the Quinn House care for and prepare food for 40people each day. There is a need for everything and I absolutely love going there. They are so gracious and thankful for everything.

All non-perishable food was donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. In an effort to reach out to as many different people, we rotate non-perishable donations between the Lawrenceville and Southeast Gwinnett Co-ops each month. Over 400 items were donated during this mobile food drive to Southeast Gwinnett Co-op!

"Clipping for a Cause" Excitement Wednesday Night!

This past Wednesday had to be the most unbelievable night since "Clipping for a Cause" first began. As we gathered in the room and began to sort through the OVERWHELMING amount of donated coupon inserts, you could feel the excitement in the air! To put it into perspective, Kellie, my right-hand-woman and "The Organizer" as I will proudly label her, had to create a new organizing system! There were so many donated inserts that in some cases, just one date (ex. 3/21/10) had to have an ENTIRE binder just for itself!!! What a great problem to have!

If I had to guess, I would say there were at least 100+ coupon inserts spread out on the tables. We spent the night clipping away...and this week, two of our main items we concentrated on were Lunchables (currently 10 for $10 and there is a $1/1 coupon in 3/21 SS) and Mahatma Rice (always 0.99 for short grain and there is a 0.50/1 coupon in 4/25/10 RP making it free).

30 Lunchables were delivered already to The Quinn House of Lawrenceville on Friday, and one of the residents explained to me that "he could eat all of them in one sitting!" More are on the way, as we divided up all of the coupons and shopping between us!