An Opportunity to Give Back

I started this blog a few months ago with the goal of helping others learn the techniques of saving money. By learning how to spot deals, not only can you save money for your family, but you can also recognize deals on items that can help those in need.

This week there’s an excellent opportunity to give back. The October 26th Red Plum coupon insert in the Sunday paper contains coupons for diabetic supplies. The coupon in particular that I’d like to point out is for a Breeze2 or Contour blood glucose monitor and is good for up to $30 off. This week, Walgreens had these monitors on sale for $9.99. If you buy one and use the coupon, you’ll get the monitor for free (Note #1: You won’t get overage, as the cashier will input the coupon for the actual sale price and will take $9.99 off. Note #2: There is a mail-in rebate in the box. It's up to you if you want to try to submit it to get additional money back, but if you are donating it, you probably want to donate an unopened package.).

Now, what do you do with this?

Donate it!

Where?

• Take a look online for local organizations in your area that accept donations.
• Check with local doctors offices or local free clinics.
• Send it in to a non-profit: 1) iPump is an all-volunteer, charitable organization that provides critical assistance to people with diabetes. They collect diabetic supplies donations and distributes them to those in need. Contributions and your shipping charges are tax deductible. 2) Islets of Hope lists other organizations by state that accept diabetes supply donations.
  

Here’s another great way to give back…

Whenever you are grocery shopping, keep an eye out for deals on non-perishable items to donate to local food shelves. Often grocery stores run “loss leaders” on the front of their Sunday ads. Loss leaders are items that are sold well below the regular price. The strategy is to get you in the door for the item in hopes that you will buy all your groceries while you are there. Look for loss leaders that you can pair with manufacturer’s coupons to get the item free or inexpensive. These make great donations. Not only will you help feed someone in need, but it won’t cost you much to do so.

What are your favorite ways to give back? Leave a comment and share your ideas!