Extreme Couponing: When Charity Goes Too Far
TLC’s Extreme Couponing is back tonight.
Last week we talked about one of the greatest aspects of Extreme Couponing: Giving back!
Then we got the following email from a reader that we felt needed to be addressed. A fruGAL set out at a local Walgreens Thanksgiving morning to take advantage of the amazing sales they were having. She encountered a group of women shopping and addressed her email to them:
“I saw the ad just like you did. I knew I had great coupons that would give me free products. I too, was excited. I arrived at the store 5 minutes before it opened, because I know that if I don’t take advantage of a good deal early, it disappears…
My list was simple, 3-6 Gillette, rubber bands, Secret Deodorant spray (depending on stock), the candy that was on sale and a few miscellaneous gifts that were deeply discounted. When the door opened, I saw you [ladies] push your way in and grab your carts and sprint off. I walked in and push [my cart] to the candy and by the time I got to the Secret display, it was wiped out (five minutes or less). You [each] had shopping carts… full to the brim with items that Walgreens had on sale. One [of you] was a new coupon lady. The other was teaching you. I felt sad for you, because this is not the way to coupon.
I’m not sure how many bottles of Secret Deodorant spray you each had…. All I know is I saw many, many bottles in each of your carts. I saw a different woman looking for the Gillette, which was also wiped out, she had came in specifically for a couple bottles. I gave her two of my five out of my cart – because it was the right thing to do. I overheard one of you say that you have tons of product already stockpiled and you would be donating what you got today to the homeless shelter….that comment irritated me. This is why:
The sales were awesome, amazing deals and EVERYONE should have the opportunity to take advantage of them. Why should a homeless shelter get 30 bottles of Secret Deodorant Spray, when another person who could be teetering on foreclosure, who might be out of work, who might have limited funds, who simply wants to take advantage of a good deal to get her daughters some nice smelling spray for Christmas (me), can’t because YOU wiped out the shelf in all of three minutes.”
She brings up a great point that I know is a sensitive subject for many. Often in our haste to give back and donate to others, we forget that there are those who are in desperate need of a single item. They aren’t trying to build their stockpiles or amass a garage full of product. They are simply trying to get a good deal on ONE item, or they may go without. They are often attempting to use their couponing skills to keep from ending up in the very shelter those shoppers were trying to support.
I see that the intentions of her fellow shoppers were good. They were trying to do a great thing. But they were inadvertently doing more harm then good. They were clearing shelves in the name of charity. But at the end of the day, clearing a shelf is clearing a shelf, regardless of the motivating factor.
So while we implore you to give back when you are able, we also ask that you do so while being considerate to others. If a truckload full of deodorant is what you are looking to donate, call the store ahead of time and see if they would be willing to place an order. If that is not possible, be respectful of those shopping around you. If your game plan was to donate 100 razors and you get to the store and find only 100 razors total on the shelf, adjust your game plan. Know that any homeless shelter will be grateful for ANY donation, be it 1 or 100 or anywhere in between.
Speaking of shelf clearing you better find out how to Avoid Leaving the Store without the Deal!
I will now step off my soapbox and allow you guys to chime in.
Do you feel that charitable shopping in any manner is to be commended, regardless of the negative impact it has? Or do you feel there is an appropriate way to give back?
______________________________________________________________
Need help getting started on your journey to Extreme Couponing (done right!).
Our 90-minute coupon class on DVD will teach you step by step the correct and ethical way to implement extreme couponing. Use code EXTREME for a 55% discount at check out.
Extreme Couponing Equals Extreme Blessings
TLC’s Extreme Couponing is back tonight.
We often get emails from our readers about amazing shopping trips. We love seeing your couponing success stories and wish we could share them all. The following email though was too great not to share.
Reader Stacy exemplifies one of the greatest aspects of Extreme Couponing: Giving back!
“The organization I work for had a friendly departmental contest to see which department could donate the most items for the Food Bank. Being a couponer, I became the department’s “secret weapon.” Your site was the other secret weapon. I’m thrilled to report that we were able to donate 1,508 items (1,267 lbs) from the generous $585 contributed by the department.
The best part was that we were able to donate some really useful groceries such as cream of chicken, mushroom soup, chicken noodle, tomato, and various Progresso soups, chili, corn, green beans, canned salmon, Annie’s mac & cheese, cereal, BBQ sauces, marinades, a turkey and so much more. The icing on the cake was that we won the surprisingly very competitive competition.
Being a couponer, I wasn’t satisfied with the results and know we could have done better. But given our 2-week window, I am very proud of my co-workers and was happy to put my coupon skills to work for such a good cause.
This Thanksgiving I’m grateful to you FAB Gals.”
So much to say about that email!
1. How awesome is that?!! OVER ONE THOUSAND LBS OF FOOD DONATED!! I have a hunch there will be a lot of grateful people on the receiving end of that donation. You. Are. Amazing.
2. Those are the stories of Extreme Couponing we LOVE to hear! We love that couponing allows many to give a little or a lot when they would often not be in a financial position to help otherwise.
3. Makes me giggle that after all of that food was donated, she still thought she could have done better. Now there’s a true couponer!
4. Stacy, while we are so glad you are grateful for us, it is readers like you that make us so dang proud. You motivate us to keep doing what we do. We HEART our readers!!
Now a challenge:
We want more emails like the one above. We want to see examples of charitable couponing, whether great or small. Did you gather a basket of couponed items for a neighbor? Did you donate items to a homeless shelter? Email us with a story and a picture.
We’ll post some of them over the next few weeks to give everyone a glimpse of the amazing side of Extreme Couponing!
______________________________________________________________
Need help getting started on your journey to Extreme Couponing (done right!).
Our 90-minute coupon class on DVD will teach you step by step the correct and ethical way to implement extreme couponing. Use code EXTREME for a 55% discount at check out.
Giving Back Opportunity: Thanksgiving Baskets
Attention Treasure Valley Locals!
We are so excited to tell you about an awesome opportunity to give back!
We have teamed with The Journey to offer Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets this year to those who are having a difficult time financially. We have seen how giving and generous our readers are and we know you will want to get involved!
How you can help:
Donate or Volunteer
- They need donations to make this happen! We can use our fabulous couponing skills to help make Thanksgiving Dinner possible for many families in the valley this month!
- You can also get involved by helping to assemble dinner baskets on Monday November 21.
Items Needed:
- Fresh Potatoes
- Canned Green Beans
- Canned Corn
- Gravy
- Jelly
- Rolls
- Stuffing
*Walmart and Fred Meyer have picked up the tab for the TURKEY! Yay and a big THANK YOU to them!
You can drop off your donations at any American Family Insurance Office throughout the Treasure Valley.
What’s in it for you?
The satisfaction of helping familes in our community, maybe even someone you know. If you or anyone that you know are truely in need of a Thanksgiving box, please contact the two FABULOUS fruGALs who are heading up this project:
Katie Murphy at littlered2@cableone.net
Monica Stamper at good4adeal@gmail.com.
Lifestyles Of The Fabuless FruGALS
The War Room. Midnight. Please tell me you bought a raffle ticket. It would make the fact that we stayed up all night assembling binders, organizing displays and stuffing our faces with WhoNu cookies totally worth it.
If you have not bought a raffle ticket for our FABuLESS raffle benefiting the City Light Home for Woman & Children yet there are only a few hours left! Go HERE to buy a ticket for your chance to win one of these FABuLESS prizes! 
Cherry Red KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer
{Prize can be shipped}
“Start-Up Stockpile #1!”
{Must be present to win}
$70 Gift Card for Designer Jeans
{Prize can be shipped}
Romantic Date Night!
{Must be present to win}
Start-Up Stockpile #2!
{Must be present to win}
Ready to Use Coupon Binder (w/ extras)!
{Prize can be shipped}
If you are a new couponer (or are looking to upgrade) you will definitely want to buy a few raffle tickets for this! One coupon binder filled with over $2,500 worth of coupons, store booklets, free product coupons PLUS a copy of our Seven Secrets to Successful Couponing DVD. This coupon binder also comes with a Starbucks gift card and over $50 in Box Tops certificates to donate to your local school.
Date Night Done Right!
{Prize can be shipped-but can only be used locally}
Enjoy a 1-night stay in a luxurious suite at the Oxford Suites, but not before you dine at The Creperie (2 crepes and 2 drinks included) and enjoy a movie at Edwards Stadium 22 Theater (2 movie tickets included). Grab your sweetie, your best friend or your kiddos and enjoy this FAB night out!
5 Metro Express Car Wash Passes
{Prize can be shipped-but can only be used locally}
$50 Zaycon Food Credit
{Prize can be shipped}
Use your $50 Zaycon Food credit to order anything from their next event. Chicken? Bacon? Ground Beef? Peaches? Cherries? The list goes on!
$25 Fred Meyer Gift Card
{Prize can be shipped}
$25 Famous Dave’s BBQ Gift Card
{Prize can be shipped}
One Hour Massage (Thanks Shellie)
Local Only
Canon PIXMA MX410 Inkjet Multifunction Printer!!
$30 Olive Garden Gift Card
Photo Shoot from Around the Way Photography($225 value).
Photo session with hi-res images on a CD along with a copy write release.
5 Appetizer Coupons from T.G.I.Fridays
One Pair of Designer Sun Glasses from Vision One
Local Only Prize
If You Teach a Man to Fish {PLUS An Update on Our Now FREE FREE FREE Couponing Workshop}
As most of you have noticed, we have not posted anything about our annual Pay it Forward Charity Yard Sale. While it breaks my heart to say it out loud (okay so technically I’m writing it, but I digress), we won’t be having it this year. There were a number of driving factors behind that decision and it SERIOUSLY hurts my heart that we won’t be holding it, but this year we decided to take a different approach to a charity fundraiser. That is how the Couponing Workshop was born.
The initial idea was to organize a huge educational couponing event. Check. Then we would charge $25 per person and donate 100% of the proceeds to a very deserving charity. Check. Then everyone would feel all warm and fuzzy. Hmmm. Didn’t happen.
We felt something was off. In our eagerness to donate as much money as possible to the City Light Women and Children’s Shelter we overlooked one key element. YOU. Our fabuless readers. YOU. Who have allowed us to carry on for years on this silly site of ours because you continue to offer us your unwavering support. YOU. Who quite possibly might be struggling just as much as any charity out there.
You see donating to charity is AMAZING. And that’s still part of the plan. But we strongly believe around these parts that if you give a man a fish, his belly will be full for a bit. But if you TEACH that man to fish, he will not only maintain a belly full of fish, but also feed those around him (and possibly teach others to fish too).
I get that I just butchered that old saying, but hopefully you get the point. We want you to come learn how to coupon (aka. fish) and then see how it changes your life. And we want to give you that opportunity for FREE.
No more $25 fee for the MEGA Rad Couponing Workshop. You don’t have to pay a dime.
You still need to register (we have to cap it) and you do have to bring a canned food item AND you do have to make us a promise:
You will either share your fish with others, or teach those around you to fish. And you have to promise. Or we won’t let you in for free. Got it?
Now about raising money. Here’s how we’re going to do that:
We are going to have the most amazing raffle!
So amazing in fact that you are going to want to buy raffle tickets-LOTS of raffle tickets.
- You can win 1 of NINE prizes. (We’ll be telling you more about those prizes each night in our That’s A Wrap post.)
- You can pre-buy raffle tickets for a steal of a deal! ($3/1, $10/10 or $25/30!! What a steal!)
- Raffle ticket prices will be higher during the workshop, so buy them early! ($4/1, $10/5 or $25/15. See why you want to pre-buy them?!)
- Can’t come or not local? You can still donate for a chance to win most of the prizes, including the fantastic prize you see below! Select prizes can only be won if present (shipping some of the great prizes would be a logistical nightmare!). So another great reason to be there!
- Make sure you REGISTER for the event too!! We need to know you’re coming!
Already register for the class and pay your $25? You have 2 options:
- Use your $25 as a credit and get 30 raffle tickets!
- Request a refund and we will get you your $25 back ASAP (we sent you an email… so check it!)!
And now for a glimpse of those AMAZING raffle prizes I told you about earlier….
Cherry Red KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer anyone?
Seriously. It can be yours!
Gearing Up: 3rd Annual Pay It Forward Garage Sale
It’s Back!
One of our favorite things about being a part of this couponing community is your willingness to serve and give back. Seeing that in action each year during our Annual Pay It Forward Charity Sale makes us sob like babies (seriously, start stockpiling Kleenex cause we’re gonna need it!).
It all started a few years ago with a simple desire to help. What it has blossomed into the past two years has taken our breath away and reminded us how amazing our readers are (we’ve raised over $7,000!!!).
We are ironing out all of the details for our 3rd annual sale. We are thrilled to be partnering with Other Mothers Boise this year and suspect this sale will raise more money than ever! But as always, we do need your help with a few items of business as we prepare:
1. We need nominations. ASAP. Do you know a deserving family? Does someone near and dear to you have an immediate need that we can help with? Do you have a loved one struggling valiantly with circumstances beyond their control? We want to hear about them. Simply email us at fabulesslyfrugal at gmail dot com and tell us their story. We will select the family/individuals we are going to help this year from your nominations.
2. Save the date. The sale this year will be September 16-17 (yep-it’s 2 days this year!) from 8am-3pm. Mark it down on your calendars now!
3. Wanna volunteer? We have always been nervous that no one will come out to help us and we will be in over our heads. But you guys always deliver in a HUGE way. This year we need your help before, during and after the sale. We need donations for the sale and the bake sale, man power to help tag, sort and organize all the sale items and then a little sale-day army to help man the event. You in?
4. We need your stuff! Get digging through your closets/garages/storage sheds and instead of calling up the Arc, save your gently used items for the sale. We’d love your clothing, books, baby items, furniture , games, toys, etc. Are you having a garage sale this summer? Save your leftovers for a great cause!
So are you ready for the most amazing sale yet? We sure are. Stay tuned for more info and GET THOSE NOMINATIONS IN!
*We will be closing nominations and selecting our families on July 18th. So HURRY!*
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 5/14
Don’t forget… tomorrow is the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Whether you’re able to donate one can or a full bag of non perishable groceries… your local food bank would really appreciate it. Simply leave your donation next to your mail box tomorrow morning for your letter carrier to pick up.
Volunteer and Score FREE Newman’s Own Products!
Search for a way to volunteer in the month of April & receive a coupon for a FREE Newman’s Own product!
Not that we need an incentive to help others, but we also won’t pass up a little freebie as a thank you! Newman’s Own is going to reward you for your service! Just search for a volunteer opportunity, give them your contact info & get a coupon for a free Newman’s Own product!
Get more info HERE!
Treasure Valley: Donate Prom Dresses (and get a discount!)
Time to Check Your Closets for Prom Dress Donations!
A true FABULOUS fruGAL, Monica Stamper, has headed up an organization that get’s donated prom dresses for young women who want to attend Prom, but can’t afford the expense of the dress! Last year they outfitted 100 young women for Prom!
You can HELP spread the word about this worthwhile program and also help them with their stock of dresses!
- Go like the Dresstravaganza on facebook so you can stay up to date on the semi annual events they hold for Prom and Homecoming!
- If you have dresses hanging in your closet, please dust them off and put them to a good use! Monica Stamper will gladly come and pick them up from your home or work or they can be dropped off at any of the ELEVEN drop off locations which are listed on their facebook page.
- All donations are tax deductible (they’ll even give you a receipt for the items)
- If you are a local business and would be willing to be a drop off point, email Monica at dresstravaganza@gmail.com
No matter the situation, the goal of Dresstravaganza is to make every young woman to feel special and beautiful.
- There will be a spa day where free hair, nail and make-up appointments will be offered!
- If you are a family in need she will begin taking appointments for the open house dress shopping days shortly. You can contact Monica through the Dresstravaganza facebook page.
- The free shopping events will be held April 9th and 16th at 9105 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709
Save 15% on a new dress and accessories
at DEB in Boise Town Square Mall
Just take your Dresstravaganza dress donation right to the store to get the discount!!
$5 for $10 Donation to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Fund
We promote deals for Living Social all the time. We think they’re a great company providing FAB deals! After learning about their current offer, I think they are even more fantastic. Today’s daily deal:
$5 for a $10 Donation to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Fund
You donate $5 and Living Social will match EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR. How cool is that!
Keep in mind, typically when you purchase these deals by clicking through our site you are helping us earn a bit of credit. We appreciate you supporting our site in that manner, but today’s deal is a bit different. By promoting this deal we will not be earning a dime. Living Social is not offering commission. Even if they were we wouldn’t take it. Wouldn’t feel right.
Knowing how blessed we are and seeing such devastation in Japan is difficult. But there is something we can do. We can give. Even just a tiny bit. Donate $5. Living Social will match it. Then we’ll donate the percentage of commission we would typically make on the transaction back to the Red Cross. See how far we can make that little $5 bill stretch?
You donate.
Living Social donates.
We donate.
We all make a difference.
Instead of sitting helplessly by while watching news coverage of the horrible earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear catastrophe, click on over and help out! We promise to help you save the $5 you donated on your next shopping trip!
So go donate and then come back and leave a comment or shoot us an email to let us know that you’ve donated (because the deal is not typical we’re not sure how the tracking will go and we don’t want a single donation slipping through the cracks!). Then tell your brother, BFF and all your neighbors to do the same. For each comment we get, we’ll donate! It’s that simple!
We know we have the most amazing, generous readers out there. We’ve seen you guys in action. Now let’s see what a difference we can make together!
