How can you help others by paying it forward with couponing? We've got eight ideas for serving your community even when your purse strings are tight.
As a couponer, there may be times when you bought a little more than necessary or you have an excess of coupon clippings or prints. Whether it's purging cereal that your family is now bored of or toiletries that your skin is reacting to, you may wonder how to tidy your stockpile before your next coupon shopping trip.
Don't miss an opportunity to be generous! Exorbitant gas prices and costly living expenses do not need to stand in the way of your desire to serve your community. We have a few ideas on how your couponing passion can serve those in need.
Tip: If you're new to couponing and still wondering, "How does couponing work?" read our article, A Beginner's Guide to Couponing. You'll learn all there is to know on how to organize, find the best deals and shop like a coupon pro.
Many non-profit organizations serve parents, specifically single mothers, in need. You may browse past diapers, baby essentials, or formula coupons if you've got older kids. Next time you see these deals, think of homeless single mothers who need support.
Search for local drop-off points in your area that collect pads, tampons, and menstrual cups for young girls and women limited by their ability to afford essential hygiene products. Your donation of coupons for period products can mean the world to young girls' education and promote healthy wellbeing.
The distribution and availability of menstrual health products are related to period equality.
Food stamps feed those on the street, but what about necessities like toiletry products? Organizations like Hope and Comfort or Project Hygiene provide essential hygiene products to those in need. Their goal is to support, educate, and improve the health and self-esteem of those who do not have easy access to or affordability for toiletries.
You can use your excess coupons or stockpile in order to donate the following items:
Make a more significant impact by reaching out to your local couponing community to source more items and organize a large delivery.
Numerous charities around the U.S. care for seniors in their final years. Your gift of excess coupons or groceries and toiletries can help local programs to keep seniors safe, fed, comfortable and healthy. You can find elderly care organizations that specifically help those with Alzheimer's or Dementia, veterans who have previously served the U.S., or elders living in nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities.
If you have a heart for the elderly, your time is also a valuable gift. Many of these organizations seek volunteers who can spend time with those who desire a social connection.
Dog and cat food coupons and products are hugely appreciated by those who care for stray pets. Animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal charities play a massive role in rehabilitating and rescuing animals and reducing the number of strays through spaying and neutering.
Animal charities have different goals, so find out who is in your area and the unique items they need for their day-to-day running. Things that you can easily find coupons for and donate to these fur baby-loving places may include:
Your local zoo will also benefit from excess items you bought with your coupons. Sometimes in a buy-on-get-one deal, you may not need the extra item. You can choose to buy-one-GIVE-one! Zoos look for bizarre items that you may not expect, including:
If you find a great coupon deal for something you can get for free with your savvy couponer skills, phone your local zoo to see if they can use it.
Another way to share the coupon love is to leave coupons for relevant items in the store. You may brighten someone's day when they reach for a loaf of bread and find a $2 off coupon.
You'll likely know the areas in your neighborhood that are in need. Part of your coupon organization can include a simple donation shopping list for your top three charities.
Military households can use expired manufacturer coupons for up to six months past their expiry date. Pretty amazing! Do you feel disappointed when you discover expired coupons in your coupon binder? Well, now you can put them to use by donating them to overseas troops.
Enquire with your local couponing community if anyone is collecting for this worthy cause. Or google 'coupons for military troops' to find organizations that will collect, arrange, and ship your coupons to families who appreciate your support.
Save has excellent tips to help you live frugally without missing out on any joys! Head to our blog to discover nine ways to get more involved in your community, learn about inspiring celebs who shop at thrift stores and do their part to recycle fashion, and find simple ways to reduce waste in your kitchen. Plus, with Save's DIY ideas, you'll have a little spare to give to others, and you can make an environmental impact by recycling items and saving cash.
Find a Coupon Book in your neighborhood with Save for deals and coupons that you could apply to continue your community service.
