Couponing for Community May 8-14

As summer draws near (though you wouldn't guess it with this weather) I can't help but be excited for all the things that summer holds for our family:  BBQ's, watching the kids play outside with great neighbors and friends, Big Star Lake, our "grown up" weekend getaway with old friends.  While my son is disappointed that we can't go back to Disney World this year, I'm trying to teach him how lucky we are to have what we have.

Every day there are families in Fort Wayne that don't have food to feed their family or a roof over their heads. Yet I spend a couple hours every week couponing, bringing home great deals for my family so we can make our budget go further and enjoy some of the "extra" stuff.  I can't think of any better way to give back to our community and teach my son a valuable lesson in life: compassion without judgement or expectation. 

So I am joining the Couponing for Community movement, from May 8-14.  This is an initiative to collect 10,000 items to be donated to various charities-homeless shelters, pet shelters, food banks or any other charity you see fit. To make your life a little easier you can leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox for Stamp Out Hunger Day  on May 14 and your local postal worker will pick them up for you.

I hope you will considering contributing to a great cause.  And don't forget, a little goes a long way.  You don't have to donate 1,000 boxes of cereal to make a difference!!  I have listed links for some great causes around the area that can benefit from donations. Take a look at the Couponing for Community Facebook page and get the whole family involved, and share this info with your friends!

The Rescue Mission and Charis House: The Rescue Mission serves men in need, while the Charis House serves women and children in need. The link will take you to a needs list for both missions.

Allen County SPCA: The SPCA takes in animals when their owners are no longer able, the pets are abandoned, etc.  They also give out free dog food to those in need. The link will take you to a needs list for their facilities.

Community Harvest Food Bank: The food bank serves the Fort Wayne area with programs like the food pantry, community cupboard, Kids Cafe and BackPack.

Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County: The ACFWAC offers programs like the food network, A Baby's Closet and Rising Stars.

These are just a few of many local charities that would be worthy of your donations and time.

Thanks to MamaCheaps for spreading the word!!