Frugal Update #9 - Sharing Savings and Freebies

I have learned so many creative ways to save money - and to receive free items thanks to my friends here at Gather! I've passed along some links to my daughter and son-in-law and have a special shelf in the linen closet where they know they are welcome to 'shop' when they come to visit (a young newlywed couple can use all the help they can get!) They both work very hard, pay their bills on time each month, are paying off some college loans and trying to save for a downpayment on a house, so they very much appreciate help of this kind.

I've all but forbidden my husband to shop at all -- not that he doesn't generally do a good job, but I have a system now, and it's just easier to do it myself on a regular basis than try to explain it to him! (He still is more than willing to make emergency runs!)

In the last year and 1/2 as we've continued to adopt a more frugal lifestyle and to live comfortably without the benefit of our former very nice lifestyle, we have shared as much as possible with those far less fortunate. As we listen to the economic news growing more and more dismal for more and more hard working people, God has placed on our hearts to share the bounty we have reaped through obtaining low cost and free items and even making money on some offers.

We have regularly contributed to the local food pantry through our church. As I was made aware of savings in some other areas - vitamins, soap, toothbrushes, laundry detergent and on and on, I have been making phone calls to local organizations regarding their needs for these types of items.

Our CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter) organization arranges for overnight lodging for homeless individuals and families with children in area churches as well as providing services of various types during the day. They have provided me a 'wish list' for cleaning items. They also provided me with a list of organization names and phone numbers who sponsor shower programs and other types of services.

I'm going to be contacting these organizations and also asking them for additional phone numbers so that I can still take advantage of all free/make-money using coupons and rebates deals. I don't need all of these items, but I hate not to get free deoderant, shampoo, soap, etc., if someone can use them.

I urge others to prayerfully consider taking this extra step to share in your bounty. We don't have little children any more and the only debt we have is our mortgage and one year left on a car payment. We consider ourselves blessed. We want to be a blessing to as many others as possible, as well.

So . . .  any ideas of places that may want the Vitamin C tablets that will end up making us money after using the formula Connie shares in her article? http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977268518

Maybe you have a neighbor who could use financial help -- why not leave a bag of household and personal hygiene items on the porch for them to find? I'm also going to talk to my pastor to see if he is aware of a need in my congregation.

Thanks to all who have helped my family throughout the past few months. Thanks in advance for giving us suggestions to further share our bounty.