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I did something new this week. I made myself put effort and fulfill in something new. If you know me, in person, you are aware that I ‘say’ alot, but have trouble actually accomplishing those things. I want to travel, I want to ski, etc… But I have been saying these things for years. Now, I want to stop the talking and start doing. Life is going by too fast. And I will regret if I do not start making effort obtaining my goals.
Why do I do alot of talking and not so much in doing? Well, besides the fact that I suffer from GAD (general anxiety disorder)… it’s the fear of reaction (whether good or bad) and the feelings that accompany the situation. This is probably too ‘deep’ for most to want to understand, but if you do… I am glad you can share in the way I feel. Perhaps these feelings stem by being sheltered too much as a kid. Or the negative things I have experienced in my life. Who knows! Anyway, enough of the deep stuff! LOL!
So, the something new (and partially resolutionary), I am donating to my local charity this week. 🙂
Why did I pick our local Salvation Army? I want to give back to the agency that helped me out when I was a single mom. If it wasn’t for the Salvation Army Child Care, I wouldn’t be where I am today with a good job and a happy family. I was able to work and go to school to complete my degree. They were really there when i needed help the most. So that is the food pantry I am giving to.
Plus, one year when extremely broke, a family and Salvation Army provided thee best Christmas for me. Full with all the Christmas dinner fixings and presents for my son. It was absolutely fantastic and heartwarming (I wrote the longest thank you note to them that year).
I called them on friday to see what they needed most. They told me mac n cheese, cans of tomatoes, boxes of jello, hygiene items… So, I based my shopping on that.
I spent approx. $25 and bought:
2 boxes Mac n Cheese
2 cans of enchilada sauce
2 cans of diced tomatoes
3 cans of tuna
2 boxes of toothpaste
2 toothbrushes
1 can of ranch style beans
3 boxes of jello
4 bottles of shampoo & conditioner
1 can of Cambell’s soup
1 box of Nestle cocoa w/ tiny marshmallows (had to add a fun item)
1 package of instant oatmeal (they were out of stock for more)
1 bottle of Mott’s Apple Juice (again, they were out of stock for more)
I found out my local Walgreen’s has great sales and coupons. Unfortunately, I found that out at the end of this sale week. So, they were out of stock on some of the items (like the great deal on the Mott’s Apple Juice, big bottle $1.97).
My plan is to be able to donate to the SA every month or twice a month. I am glad to have done this. There was a sense of peace knowing I may be helping a family or two. In the future, I hope to buy non-perishable mini-meals, like for tuna casserole: tuna, pasta, cream of mushroom, and a can of peas.
Have any great ideas for non-perishable mini meals?
Wow, that is awesome! You should be proud of yourself for not only doing a great thing to help others but also for following through. Your selflessness will certainly be rewarded 🙂
Hi there-wow, good on you! So thoughtful and kind, this is really well done!
Good for you Christine – that is amazing. I bet you just have a nice warm feeling by doing it too! I do have a suggestion though – you could always do the CVS/Walgreens Deals & donate for not much money at all. That is what we started doing. I don't have much $ extra to buy for others so I just donate with my new shopping sense! Just this week I got 4 tubes of toothpast for pennies – most likely all 4 will go to donate.
Keep it up! You make us all proud!!!
Congratulation for your generosity!
Not only are you donating to a good cause, it is something dear to your heart. That is the best match when looking for a way to give back.
Somewhere out there is another person/family that is feeling an incredible amount of gratefulness right now because of you.
Keep up the great work!
Donating food is a great idea. I regularly take boxes of clothing (some new with tags, like a complete business suit bought and never worn – long story not worth telling) to the Salvation Army so I hope they understand that I don’t put money in their kettles at the holidays but I do what I can in my own way and I believe it actually adds up to be worth a lot to them.
I don’t mean to leave spam but I am just starting my blog and I would like a few people to consider adding me as a favorite or a follower or whatever so I can get started hanging out with all of you fine people trying to do the same thing I’m trying to do. I have worked hard on setting up the blog, so would you consider looking at it and reading my introductory post (today’s – even though there are two posts prior)? Thanks and I promise never to leave you an off-topic comment again. I’ve been enjoying reading your blog, really – I have favorite’d about 6 or 8 people and you’re one of them. THANKS!
I have GAD too. It’s hard for me to do things too. I didn’t leave the house for about 6 months. It sucks! But I’m doing better, I’m going to Hawaii soon! (never thought I could that.)
@ cent with love: Thank you! It is a nice feeling. And it is part of a personal journey about myself, too. I am glad I followed through, too. 🙂
@ sharon rose: Hi! And thank you! I am glad that I could share it with all of you!
@ jpkittie: I wish we had a CVS close by! And last night I pulled up the new week ad for Walgreen’s. So, this time I will be able to get things while they were in stock. lol! Coupon Mom started a charity organization to use coupons to help out shelters. It’s a great idea. Thank you for the suggestion. 🙂
@ Middle Way: TY! I hope I can brighten someone’s day. And return the generosity that was given to me back in the (hard) days.
@ 444: Egats for promoting your blog on here! lol! just kidding. Glad to find a new pf friend. There is a lot of great, great people/supporters. Welcome. 🙂
I take clothes, too. And my mother follow your lead on the clothes with tags. ha! It’s nice to find that it doesn’t take a whole lot to help someone out. 🙂 And I will blogroll you on my side link.
@ Moving on up: And the little plane you take in Hawaii will nerve you. Just breathe and don’t think bad thoughts. You will have a grand time!
Its a rough disorder. I have gotten myself of meds and am trying biofeedback. Small steps, but I am determined to take them cuz I am tired of losing out on the things I want to do. 🙂
Again, have a wonderful time. I love the constant warm weather there!
I love hearing about other people doing this – sometimes I wonder if my small, personal efforts are a bit weird and freakish. Not that I stress about it too much 🙂
Non-perishable meals…rice, black beans, canned chicken (optional protein boost), salsa.
I love providing breakfast to the shelter I support – oatmeal or cereal, milk, fruit. And now I’m finding great deals on bacon and eggs (45 cents per serving of 2 eggs + 2 strips of bacon).
If the SA gives out perishables, find out what they tend to have a decent supply of most of the time. Then you can bring a “mini meal” package that they can easily complete with their usual stock.
Oh Christine that is wonderful!!!!! I loved how you called to get an idea first. Good for you for doing this.
@ moneymatekate: I don’t think it’s freakish, but very inspirational. we need more people as gracious as you. 🙂
Thank you for the good ideas on the non perishables.
@ budget mama: thank you! I am glad that I was able to find a local charity. 🙂
the next batch i am throwing in a bag of valentine candy.
This is absolutely wonderful Money Funk! I am so proud of you!
Hi Money Funk,
Saw your comment about GAD and just want to deliver the bad news: having money will do little to help 🙁 … but, it shouldn’t make it any worse if you do have some 🙂
When I first moved to the USA to start a new life AND a new business AND try and keep my overseas operations working without me, I was under some of the greatest stresses of my life and I had some anxiety attacks (only once or twice before and after have I had others, and they are NOT fun!).
My wife sent me to Arizona for 7 days to a retreat center where I learned the Sedona Method. It pretty much cured my anxiety, my life-long nail biting and many other emotional issues.
‘Releasing’ pressure and bad emotions is a LOT easier now … and, I have NEVER had to resort to drugs or psychotherapy.
Just a ‘plug’ based upon personal experience that I thought might be useful …
AJC.
@ frugal trenches: thank you. I hope to continue the generosity. 🙂
@ 7m7y: so, your saying that I have to envoke my husband to send me away on a Sedona retreat… say every 2 years??? 😉
Thank you for that information on the Sedona Method. I will look into that one.