Every little bit helps!!

Ean has a really good friend whose grandmother runs a ministry.  Every month her ministry opens its doors up to homeless and abused woman to donates items they have collected to provide to them.

Things like clothes, and sundries.  They also collect food for the homeless and last year they helped out a family who had not a thing for their new baby.

With the economy the way it is, I feel sure more and more people are finding themselves in dire straits. Also I'm sure that it makes it more difficult to receive donations as well.

While things suck for our family financially (phone ringers turned off) certified letters coming to the door demanding payment, we still have a place to call home. Without coupon shopping we would not be able to have meals on our table or the sundries to keep ourselves and our clothes clean or keep our dogs fed.

Because I get so many things free (paying only tax usually) I collect many of the same things each month... toothpaste being the one thing I collect the most of for free.

Every 2 months I donate these types of items to Joyce for her ministry.  During the school back pack drive I donate what our kids don't need that I've gotten free from the various before school sales, and of course during the holidays lots and lots of food items and a couple of toys too. I also get any free pet items cat treats, or dog food our dogs don't eat and donate them to our local Pet Social Worker. Trying to help is my way of life.

I know one of my friends donates to one of her homeless students family, another friend has donated items to the new teacher at her child's school. Another collect items to help another family.

The people on that extreme couponing show make me shake my head.... how can you have room fulls of things and not donate it to shelters, the homeless, or even your neighbor? Does that make me a bleeding heart liberal or a tree hugger? No, I think it makes me compassionate human being lending a helping hand however I can possibly help...

So this was this months stack of items I brought over to Joyce, minus two more boxes of hair color I picked up free today and another couple of shampoo bottle samples I got in the mail today too.

Hard to see in the picture, lots of toothbrushes, brand new unopened makeup, nail files, lots of samples of shampoo and conditioner, nail polish, hair color, deodorant, medicine, panty liners, soap and of course lots of toothpaste!

So I leave you today asking you to consider doing something similar. Help someone, anyone who needs a little helping hand. And for those who already do, kudos to you and keep up the good work!!