Jenn Nolen
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Homepage: http://www.thecrashpad.com
Posts by Jenn Nolen
Saving While Giving
Feb 27th
There’s been a great response to Just1! Thanks so much to everyone who’s lending their support and giving so generously!
I know times are hard and many people are trying to budget carefully and cut spending wherever they can. I wanted to share a few ideas and resources with you that may help you purchase your Just1 items (and, hey, maybe you’ll save money in other areas as well)!
Amy over at Tightwad Momma always has great money-saving ideas. Some are more geared to those who live in the St. Louis area, but many offers are widely availabe. She’s also a bit of a local celebrity!
If freebies are more your thing you can hop on over to the blog of another Amy at Mom Advice. I always enjoy her Freebie Fridays posts. I’ve filled entire bags with the freebies I’ve received and then donated them to the food pantry. She’s a bit of a blogger celebrity, as well.
My sweet friend, Genevieve, runs across amazing deals and is often able to purchase things for very, very little. Check her out at MamaOnABudget. She’s a celebrity in my book.
Of course, there are always good ‘ol coupons! If you get the Sunday paper you can select a particularly great coupon and earmark it for your Just1 purchase for the week. If you can scan the weekly fliers, you may be able to match your coupon to a sale and save even more!
I usually find good coupons and deals at Target’s website, as well. Not always, but many times, they’ll have a coupon for an item that’s already on sale and featured in their weekly ad.
My last idea may sound odd, but…don’t forget to look at the clearance section! Our grocery store has a small section of items that are deeply discounted for various reasons. Be sure to check the expiration date, but otherwise, if it’s on sale because it’s a bit dented, or because the store isn’t going to carry it anymore, or because the packaging is being re-designed, why not grab it?
I know these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. I would love to hear how you save money! If you’d like to add your ideas, please leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to include it (and you) in an upcoming post!
Welcome to Just1!
Feb 19th
I’m so glad you dropped by! Feel free to browse the site and please email me if you have any questions or suggestions.
According to an article by Kim Robertson, in the February 18, 2010 Arnold-Imperial Leader:
Homelessness is a growing problem in Jefferson County, and there aren’t enough resources to help the people who are living in their cars or on friends’ couches, local agencies report. “We have about 10 new calls a day from people who are homeless or in danger of losing their homes,” said Tracy Wiecking, assistant CEO of Comtrea, the county’s primary mental health agency.
Evelyn Timmerman of Arnold is president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold. She said there has been an increasing number of homeless people to serve. “It’s really sad. I feel so sorry for them,” she said. “But I’m frustrated because we don’t have enough money to help them.” The nonprofit group has depleted its funds in helping local people in need this winter, Timmerman said.
10 new calls a day. That really adds up. Fortunately, small gifts of generosity add up, too. If just 20 people, who shop once a week, commit to Just1, we can donate about 1,040 items a year (52 weeks)! What if even more people helped? What if we got to a point where the number of donations exceeded the number of people in need? I think that dream is a very real possibility.
Just1 is about helping others in small ways, using the time and resources you have available to you right here, right now. Being a part of Just1 is easy! Make it a habit to purchase Just1 extra item every time you do your grocery shopping and donate the items when you are ready.
What to Donate
Feb 15th
It’s always best to speak with someone at the food pantry you’ll be donating to, since they are all different. Some food pantries do not accept certain items, especially jarred foods.
I spoke with a representative over at our local food pantry and she said that they’ll accept just about anything. She did say that they most need items that can’t be purchased with food stamps: toilet paper, feminine products, tissues, paper towels, dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, diapers, and baby wipes.
Any baby items are appreciated.
More food suggestions:
Peanut butter, jelly, tuna, things that are a meal in themselves such as canned soup, chili, etc. Key meal components such as noodles, sauce, canned chicken, and the like.
Keep in mind: our food pantry also has a thrift store attached so you can always drop off household items, clothing, books, and collectibles.