Friends in Need

I've spoken with numerous persons in the last year who were attempting to put together a local "Couponing for Christ" group.  So far those efforts have not come to full fruition.  In the interest in moving such an idea forward I wanted to share some of my own strategies for helping others in need without blowing your budget. 

The following local groups maintain food banks:

St. John's Lutheran Church
2126 Saint Johns Church Road Northeast
Conover, NC 28613-8975
(828) 464-4071


Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry
245 East N Street
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-1702

Christian Crisis Center of Alexander County
223 5Th Ave Sw
Taylorsville, North Carolina 28681
828-632-0022

Each of these groups work diligently in our communities to help provide for those in need.  Items which are always in demand are: Macaroni & Cheese, Soups, Treet Meat or Spam, Canned Tuna, Juice, Peanut Butter, Crackers, Oatmeal, Cereals. 
 
Since I live on a budget (as we all do) I have certain items that I purchase with coupons to get the most value possible.  Here's my personal list.
 
Wal-Mart has cans of chicken noodle and tomato soup for 68 cents each.  The Charlotte Observer frequently runs coupons for Campbell's soup and you can purchase 10 cans of soup for about $6.00.  The store brand of crackers costs about $1.27 each and the food banks typically distributes crackers by the sleeve instead of by the box due to them being an in demand item.  Other items I purchase at Wal-Mart are the Great Value jars of peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, Sweet Sue Chicken & Dumplings and family sized cans of Chef Boyardee products.  
 
The Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry also has a Thrift Store that is desperately in need of coats and sweaters.  Please take the time to go through your closets (especially children's closets) and donate any coats or sweaters that you do not need.  Outer wear is very expensive and families who have experienced job loses will not be able to purchase warm coats (where needed) for themselves or their children this year.
 
The first month I did this I decided I'd hold the food for one month (so I wouldn't be embarrassed by the size of my donation) and was very surprised when I had six bags to turn in.  I encourage each of you to take the time to go through the coupon section of the paper weekly and use them in conjunction with weekly specials at your favorite grocery store.  You'll be surprised at how many meals you can provide.