My family is lucky to have everything that we need to live a comfortable life. We don’t have everything that we ‘want’ but that’s what dreams of winning the lottery are for – right?
One of my resolutions this year was to give back as often as I could. And while I can’t always give money or time, I can use my savvy shopping skills to pick up a few extra things at the store to donate to the food bank or women’s shelter. I’m trying to make it a habit to give back any “extra” things that I pick up for little or no cash that I will not need in the near future. My grocery store always has a donation bin so I just keep those items separate from my groceries and ask the cashier to scan them first so that I can immediately place them in the donation bin. I challenge each of you to do the same. Even if you only give a can of soup each week, that’s a meal that someone now has because of your thoughtfulness.
I have also resolved to complete my one “big” donation project throughout the year rather than being in a rush to complete it the week before its due. Each year I try to participate in the Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” project. It is a great program that provides shoe boxes filled with goodies to under privileged kids across the world. I am always in a rush to fill my shoe boxes, spend way to much money, and don’t enjoy the project the way I know I should.
This year I have already started filling my boxes. I plan to spend around $10 a month (2 speciality coffee drinks) on items for my boxes. I have already found great stuff from the $1 bins at Target, Michael’s and Staples. Here’s a picture of what I have so far in one of my boxes – note pads, pens, pencils, erasers, bouncy balls, slinky’s, toy cars.
I’m planning to make 6 boxes this year – maybe more if I find some really great deals.
This is also a cool idea to provide to local charities for kid’s birthdays or just to have a few of these in your birthday gift stash for those unexpected party invites.
While what I’m doing isn’t going to save the world, it will make a difference in the lives of several people and it is setting a great example to our little boy.
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