Giving with coupons

I took the boys on a shopping trip to Target today. We were there to buy, among other things, a whole stack of cookies. The boys, of course, wanted to eat the cookies, and so we had a conversation about how the cookies were for the homeless shelter. "Why?" Because we have plenty of food, and those people don't, and they will enjoy having cookies (and peanut butter, toothpaste, etc.) We're trying to raise the boys to have a heart for those less fortunate, and so far the lessons seem to be sinking in: neither boy protested giving away the cookies. It is nice to see a bit of parenting success!

Anyway, I mention this because I want to challenge my readers to keep your local homeless shelters, food banks, and crisis pregnancy centers in mind when you're out shopping this season, no matter where you are. Coupons can stretch what cash you have to give to amazing proportions. (The aforementioned stack of cookies cost me only 50 cents.) There are some amazing Hasbro toy coupons available right now. You can actually make money by purchasing dove deodorant at CVS this week. Another money-maker: Quaker oatmeal at Walgreens. Many department stores (such as Penneys and Kohls) offer $10 off $10 purchase coupons on a regular basis. If you don't need something specific for yourself or as a gift, consider picking up a cute maternity top. Our local La Habra Life Center just published their list of requests, and maternity clothes are one of their major needs.

Of course we can't all get to every store and pick up every deal, but keep your eyes open! Sometimes taking a little extra time and paying attention to the good deals means you can give far more than you could if you just wrote a check.