A couple of weeks ago I posted about how I was partnering with Champions for Kids and All You Magazine to complete a “Couponing for Good” SIMPLE service project. My task was to shop at Walmart and use coupons to buy items to donate to a local organization that betters the lives of children in my community. I had a lot of fun putting my coupon and shopping skills to the test, and ended up getting a nice selection of household and personal care items to donate for only about $25. To learn more about my shopping trip, read my Couponing for Good post or check out my Google+ story.
After much thought and consideration, I decided to donate my items to The Greeley Transitional House, the only homeless shelter in my town that offers emergency and transitional shelter, case management, and follow-up programs for homeless families. They provide a positive, hopeful, and supportive environment in which families in crisis can live temporarily while re-establishing their independence. The Transitional House needs just about everything, so I decided that it would be such a blessing for them to receive our donation of household and personal care items.
Here is everything ready to be donated! Most of it was purchased during my trip to Walmart, but I also found some items in our household stockpile to add to it.
My ten-year-old son and two-year-old twin daughters accompanied me to the Transitional House to drop off our donation items. On the way there we talked about why we were making the donation, and how nice it is to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves. This was a great way to teach my children about helping others and giving back to our community!
When we arrived at the organization they were about ready to close, so they quickly put our items in one of the garages used for storage and then had me fill out a donation slip in the main office. The staff was nice and appreciative of our donation. One of the ladies said that they are always in need of items of necessity, like toothbrushes, dish soap, etc. and that the displaced families would be grateful to receive the items we brought.
This was such a rewarding experience, and I am so thankful that I was able to take part in it. It felt great to donate to an organization that helps families get back on their feet. It really opened my eyes to those who are less fortunate and reminded me to be thankful for what I have. Even my son said, “Mom, it made me feel so good to do something like that. We should do it again soon!” And that is what we are going to do! I plan on looking for ways that we can reach out to our community on a more frequent basis, and I encourage you to do the same!
If you are interested in doing a SIMPLE service project like the one I just did, check out Champions for Kids. Each month they challenge you to complete a different service project and give you ideas for helping children in your community. Let’s move millions!
Champions for Kids
- Website: http://championsforkids.org/
- Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/#!/champions4kids
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChampionsForKids
This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias All opinions, ideas, and photos are my own.
Beeb Ashcroft
Monday 2nd of April 2012
What a great organization to benefit - that will really help a family! Great idea to take your kids, too - good opportunity to discuss helping others.
Donating to Community - Champions for Kids
Sunday 1st of April 2012
[...] See what she donated when she and her children went to drop off their donations here. [...]
Sarah @ Sarah's Deals
Sunday 1st of April 2012
I love that you took your kids along. It's so important to involve them in such things IMO.
Couponing for Good with Champions for Kids & All You Magazine #AllYouCFK « The Penny-Wise Mama
Saturday 31st of March 2012
[...] {If you want to learn more about my shopping trip or see more photos, check out my Google+ Album. To read about my donation process check out my CFK Donation post} [...]
Andrea (@AmommynousBlog)
Friday 30th of March 2012
This is a triple-win: The recipients will have items that they need, you feel good about donating them, and the children learn about the importance of helping others. Plus, it looks like you had fun, too. Great job!