Since the economic crisis hit our family, I have learned A LOT about how to use coupons to get things for free or almost free.
This past year I decided to use my coupon skills to bless more than just my family.
Every year our church adopts a poor community in Kentucky. For much of the community, buying just the basic necessities like toothpaste and shampoo is a challenge.
Starting this summer I started stockpiling. When the deals were hot, I bought extra items for pennies on the dollar. I quietly tucked away shampoo bottles, body washes, deodorants and more, knowing that these simple items were going to bless others in a few months.
In November, our family selected two lists – a family to adopt and an extras list, then took two boxes home to fill.
Within 30 minutes we had the boxes full, along with an extra box and a tote bag.
Even our two-year-old helped carry toiletries from the back bathroom and put them in the boxes.
As we filled those boxes, I prayed for the men, women and children who would use the items enclosed.
I prayed they would know they were somebody special.
I prayed that the simpleness of scented soaps would be an aroma sweet to their souls.
I prayed that simply, they would be blessed.
Next year, I am determined to stockpile even more.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48
Check out this video of all the boxes and donations ready to share with the people in Kentucky!
By Jessica Turner, The Mom Creative
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Wow! Awesome way to be other focused. Thanks for sharing! I want to do it too!
Wonderful idea….I coupon also (not that great at it) and I never buy the ‘free’ stuff that we wouldn’t use. You’ve changed my mind. We have a local food pantry that would be blessed by it…thanks 🙂
My daughter, who has to feed a family of 8, is an awesome couponer and bargain shopper. She has been doing this for a while. She gets 20 boxes of pasta for pennies and donates it all! I think it is a great way for especially a stay at home mom to reach out and make a difference even when she may not have much monetarily to contribute!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/the-walking-wounded/
this really blessed me, because i know what it is like today to be struggling with things like being about to by toiltries, you take so many things for granted when you have everything taking cared for you. But when i was down and out i’m learning that little stuff matters. Thank you for this will be looking for coupons.
I’m a recently singled mother of three little ones and a woman from my small group at church (who I know is an avid couponer) blessed me with two sacks of personal products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, household needs. It blessed me SO much! I told her she was my hero of the week.
I encourage everyone to just hand a sack to a friend you know may need the pick-me-up! I hope to pass along the blessing!
What a wonderful idea!!!! I’m going to pass this along!
This is the heart of Christmas. I read your other post before digging into this one. And it made the reading of this post that much more stirring.
This is the meaning of this season.
When personal trial cultivates growth and overflows with compassion. When one who once received “unexpected gifts” in the middle of a storm becomes the bearer of generosity. That. Is. Christmas.
Thank you Jessica
Oh, girl, I love the way you use your mad organizational skills to love on others. Having experienced it firsthand, I know the joy you’re so good at bringing!
love this idea!
Awesome idea!!!!! God bless you and your family.
I aspire to be this organized!
I remember Ellie Kay writing about doing something similar in her very first book (Shop, Save, and Share). Thanks for the reminder!
Jessica! You are so creatively generous! Sometimes, there are just crazy super sales and now, you gave me a really wonderful idea. Merry Christmas!
Was really moved by this post and actually linked in my post today. Thanks Jessica 😉
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