Shoe Box Savings

Shoe Box Savings http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:27:54 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Free Bath Tissue at Bi-Mart http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1936148 How are you doing with collecting items for your shoe boxes? Next week will be the time to grab the deals on the after Easter sales - stuffed animals, hard candy, easter basket toys, games, puzzles. Lots of opportunities Here's a non-shoe-box deal for Bi-Mart members FREE 12 Roll MD Bath Tissue! Go to <a href="http://www.bimart.com" target="_new">www.bimart.com and click on the ad in the center of the page and print out your coupon. It's good until April 11 - 1 coupon per membership. If you don't use this brand, donate it to the church for the Social Concerns Pantry.
Next week will be the time to grab the deals on the after Easter sales - stuffed animals, hard candy, easter basket toys, games, puzzles. Lots of opportunities

Here's a non-shoe-box deal for Bi-Mart members FREE 12 Roll MD Bath Tissue!
Go to www.bimart.com and click on the ad in the center of the page and print out your coupon. It's good until April 11 - 1 coupon per membership. If you don't use this brand, donate it to the church for the Social Concerns Pantry.

]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:27:54 GMT 2BC6BB4A719F97C7E9D647240A8D4A24 Free Cheerios at Bi-Mart http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1886847 I know Cheerios are not a Shoebox item, but free is a great price. If you don't eat cheerios, grab one and donate it to the food pantry at First E. If you are a BiMart member, run over to <a href="http://www.bimart.com" target="_new">www.bimart.com to print off a coupon for a FREE box of Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios. Coupon is valid through March 28, 2012. Limit one coupon per membership family. You must write your Bi-Mart member number on the coupon in order to redeem it.
If you are a BiMart member, run over to www.bimart.com to print off a coupon for a FREE box of Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios. Coupon is valid through March 28, 2012. Limit one coupon per membership family. You must write your Bi-Mart member number on the coupon in order to redeem it.
]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:40:57 GMT 0C5F45908FA91C94D9827FBBF74C5829 Free Toothbrushes at Rite Aid the week of 3/18. Get your coupon now! http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1840200 I'm not a Rite Aid shopper, but if you are, you will understand this: Starting 3/18 Reach Total Care Toothbrush (1 ct) on sale $2.99 Buy 1, Get $2 +UP Reward – limit 2 Buy 2 Use $2/2 coupon Pay $3.98, Get $4 in +UPs FREE after coupon and rewards You can get the coupons at <a href="http://www.coupons.com" target="_new">www.coupons.com You do not need to sign up for any emails or make an account. You will need to allow the installation of the coupon printer on your computer. You can print two coupons per computer These types of coupons often have a limit on the number the manufacturer will allow to be printed before they pull them off the site, so it is suggested to print them now before the sale.
Starting 3/18
Reach Total Care Toothbrush (1 ct) on sale $2.99
Buy 1, Get $2 +UP Reward – limit 2

Buy 2
Use $2/2 coupon
Pay $3.98, Get $4 in +UPs
FREE after coupon and rewards

You can get the coupons at www.coupons.com
You do not need to sign up for any emails or make an account. You will need to allow the installation of the coupon printer on your computer.
You can print two coupons per computer
These types of coupons often have a limit on the number the manufacturer will allow to be printed before they pull them off the site, so it is suggested to print them now before the sale.

]]> Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:49:57 GMT 0E15ECE466A1629676BAED0499B5D081 Free Toothpaste at Walgreens this week! http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1840178 If you're out and about and near a Walgreens store, stop in and pick up a 4 oz tube of Colgate Toothpaste. They are on "sale" this week for $3 and you get a $3 register reward to use on your next shopping trip. Things to remember with this type of sale: 1) You can do it as many times as you want during the week. 2) You only get 1 register reward per transaction for a specific item. - example... if you bought 4 tubes of Colgate at the same time, you would get only ONE $3 register reward, however, you can buy more than one register reward item (different rewards) and get both rewards (if you want to buy a colgate and a Saline Nasal Mist, you would get both register rewards) 3) You need to use the Register Reward sometime in the next 2 weeks 4) You cannot use a register reward on the same product and get another register reward. Example, if you buy a 4 oz colgate for $3 and get youir register reward, you CANNOT use THAT register reward on buying another 4 oz Colgate and get another Register Reward. They do not roll over. (You can use it to pay for your toothpaste, just don't expect another register reward if you do). 5) You can use another item's Register Reward to purchase the colgate. If you want to consolidate your shopping trips and use the Register Reward, but want to grab another 4 oz Colgate, just split up your transactions and buy the toothpaste separately.
Things to remember with this type of sale:
1) You can do it as many times as you want during the week.
2) You only get 1 register reward per transaction for a specific item.
- example... if you bought 4 tubes of Colgate at the same time, you would get only ONE $3 register reward, however, you can buy more than one register reward item (different rewards) and get both rewards (if you want to buy a colgate and a Saline Nasal Mist, you would get both register rewards)
3) You need to use the Register Reward sometime in the next 2 weeks
4) You cannot use a register reward on the same product and get another register reward. Example, if you buy a 4 oz colgate for $3 and get youir register reward, you CANNOT use THAT register reward on buying another 4 oz Colgate and get another Register Reward. They do not roll over. (You can use it to pay for your toothpaste, just don't expect another register reward if you do).
5) You can use another item's Register Reward to purchase the colgate. If you want to consolidate your shopping trips and use the Register Reward, but want to grab another 4 oz Colgate, just split up your transactions and buy the toothpaste separately.

]]> Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:43:28 GMT 93F88A4D9D8C620F86C2CD1529836AF5 10 Frugal Ways To Pack An Operation Christmas Child Box http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1805806 10 Frugal Ways To Pack An Operation Christmas Child Box by Clair on February 23, 2012 (from MummyDeals.org) I LOVE Operation Christmas Child and in 2009 managed to pack 45 good quality boxes for just $45 because I didn’t just start in November right before packing week. The key to it was shopping year round which is why I put together this video on Operation Christmas Child Year Round Deals. This post is 10 Ways To Pack A Shoebox On A Budget, go <a href="http://mummydeals.org/how-to-pack-a-shoebox-on-a-budget-vlog-2/" target="_new">here the video I made for it. 1) Holiday Clearance. Fake Barbie dolls for just 20 cents in Michael’s Christmas clearance. Part of my boxes often contain things that were in last year’s Christmas sale at 90% off, this year’s Valentine’s tshirts at 75% off, some 4th of July socks on clearance and other bits like that. I don’t stop once the boxes leave my house in November instead I start gearing up for next year. Not only does this mean we can get bargains but it means we don’t have to spend a chunk out of pocket all at once. Last year I found some great items at the Dollar General when they had their summer clearance at 90% off. NINETY! Cute tea sets originally $2, now 20 cents Spades originally $1 now 10 cents Flip flops originally $3 now 30 cents Around 15 pairs of flip flops, some crayons and 20 toys later and I was out a mere $11! 2) FREE Items. So often I get items (legally!) from stores for FREE!!! Yup, it’s true and part of what i do at Mummy Deals each week is show you how. When it comes to shoeboxes it’s no different. If we need the item, we keep it. If we don’t but it’s inappropriate or liquids it gets given elsewhere. If not it’s going to Samaritan’s Purse and in the shoeboxes. Here’s how: a) Drugstore freebies. One of the common questions I ask people when introducing my site is, “Do you know you can get FREE things at Walgreens and CVS. In fact I haven’t paid for toiletries in 8 years!” While I wait for them to pick their jaw up off the floor I start to explain how Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have great rebate programs that enable you to take advantage of FREE items. In fact one year at CVS I got over $1000 in free items! Check out my <a href="http://mummydeals.org/about/411-2/" target="_new">411 section if you don’t know how. b) School Supply Freebies Many of the office stores offer rebate programs also and during school supply season offer free after rebate items or cheap deals. That’s when I stock up. c) Using a high value coupon to get something free. Free soap and 20 cans of playdough for just $1.99 after coupons. d) Menards and Other Mail in Rebates. Crayola pens FREE after rebate. They came in packs but to save space I removed them from the packaging. Before you panic about rebates, it doesn’t involve a bunch of clipping, cutting and photocopying. if you’re nervous check out my article here on how it took me just a few minutes to get $37 worth of stuff for just the price of tax. e) Free Samples. If you’re a regular around here you know about Granny’s Deals. If not, sign up for the email and start getting freebies! The bottom line is, companies like to give you free items to try like gum or candy or band aids or other items that you can pack in a shoebox. I get things in the mail often and you can too. 3) Holiday Candy All of our boxes need candy but what better day to get it than the day after Valentine’s, Christmas etc. Kids don’t care if they’re eating green and red suckers in July, just ensure that it hasn’t expired. If you have time to wait a week it’ll get to 75% off maybe higher! For Operation Christmas Child they can’t have chocolate and it needs to be hard candy or gum. 4) Regifting. Yup, I said it! I re-gift and from a survey I read not long ago, I’m not the only one. 69% of people polled believe it’s now socially acceptable! If it’s not something you’re going to use, bless someone else with it. I scour around my house for items I may have been given and couldn’t use. I generally place them in a box with other gifts I’ve personally bought throughout the year. I look through them with new eyes: Do I really need them or would they be a bigger blessing to a child in Africa? If that’s the case I grab them and add them to a box. I just ensure that the stuff I’m giving is within the guidelines and then I give it. 5) Thrift Stores. Although you shouldn’t give used items to Operation Christmas Child and other such organizations, thrift stores are still a wealth of goodies as they have unused stuff for great prices. I recently picked up some funny play teeth for only $.25!!! Be choosy about where you go and choosy about what you grab but I do know Goodwill stores get shipments from Target and things that were originally in the Target dollar Spot I’ve managed to snag for a quarter. 6) Shipping Costs. I got this question recently, “I have read your post about packing the shoeboxes and this is something that my family and I want to try to do. However, I just read on their website that you have to include $7 for each box to help cover shipping costs. This will make it hard for us to do more than a few boxes. Do you have any thoughts you can post on how you defray this part of the cost of the boxes?“ I get asked this question a lot so I want to address it now: Firstly: Operation Christmas Child asks for $7 per box but if you’re sending multiple boxes you can send one check. The easiest way to give is online and Follow Your Box. Secondly: Give everything you can content-wise. If you can only afford to pack 6 boxes, pack 6 really well done boxes and then write a check or donate that amount. The rest of the items you may have (from freebies or wherever) put in a plastic bag and bring to your drop off location. They will then be shipped to the nearest packing place and will be used to fill empty boxes. This is honestly my favorite way to do it. What I’ve found is that some people don’t have the time to shop and just want to give money. Ask around friends, family, church members and any groups you’re part of. Remember: even a dollar goes a long way. Finally: Think of creative ways to make the money. Maybe you’re an eBay seller. Why not hunt around for a few items you could sell and then give the profit. I’ve also heard of children setting up lemonade stands to raise some cash. 7) Hunt Around Your House. It’s unbelievable the kinds of things I find when I hunt: notepads that I bought that I’ve never used or key-chains we just don’t use that I was given. Here are a couple of examples of why you need to do a search: a) Promotional Items You know the kind. State Farm key-chains, AllState balls. All of which may end up at the thrift store or in the garbage. These have great potential for being excellent shoebox filler items. So look around the house and grab all the promo pens, t shirts, key-chains and other items you can find and give frugally! Skip over the kitschy items or the things that look broke, we’re not trying to be cheap here! b) McDonalds Toys I know it sounds silly but how much do kids pester to get the toy only to not use it? I know many of my friends don’t end up giving the toy to the child as it’s just “one more thing” Well, some kids live in such poverty that that “one more thing” maybe their only toy and a treasured possession. Instead of letting it sit around, why not consider giving it? I’ve got to tell you, my son has been given a couple of these and loves them. They actually have some decent ones nowadays and they make great fillers for your box. 8) Free or Cheap School Supplies. During late July,  August and September many stores will vie for your business by offering crazy low prices on items like pens and pencils. That’s when I go out and buy all the items I need for the shoeboxes. I grab 10 cent glue sticks, 5 cent packs of pencils and other great deals. Besides the cheap items, I’ve ended up with lots for FREE after mail in rebates or loyalty programs at Office Depot, Office Max and Staples. Post-labor day is also an excellent time when most stores clearance their school supplies. Some I donate to local school supply drives and some I give to Samaritan’s Purse. Your best bet is to find a teacher friend. Those guys can get more of the penny items and if they don’t need them for the classroom you can get more! 9) Hotel Items. Because of shipping restrictions they can’t take liquids but soaps are fabulous and necessary. If you stay in hotels often, please consider grabbing your soaps and using them for shoeboxes. I usually put two per box as they’re quite small. Wrap them in foil then in a ziploc to put in the box. Remember to label them. Notepads and pens from hotels are also excellent and a great filler. 10) The Dollar Store. If you’re in a crunch and haven’t planned ahead for Operation Christmas Child then there’s a couple of places I would recommend heading and The Dollar Store is the first. The Dollar Stores is a great place to pick up lots of miscellaneous items. When you’re packing several boxes you can’t afford to run out and spend $25/box. I aim to pack more boxes than stuff them full of expensive toys and for that reason I head to the Dollar Store. When there I don’t just pick out a bunch of dollar items either! I try and find the 3 packs of party favors. That way I can often find 6 bouncy balls/crowns/socks for $1, open up the packs and put one item into 6 boxes. The sorting centers will open the boxes to ensure that nothing is yucky but it’s totally fine to take things out of the packages so you can put more in. The other places to head are the Dollar Spot section at Target or JoAnn Fabrics or other stores that have similar areas. 10 Frugal Ways To Pack An Operation Christmas Child Box

by Clair on February 23, 2012 (from MummyDeals.org)

I LOVE Operation Christmas Child and in 2009 managed to pack 45 good quality boxes for just $45 because I didn’t just start in November right before packing week. The key to it was shopping year round which is why I put together this video on Operation Christmas Child Year Round Deals. This post is 10 Ways To Pack A Shoebox On A Budget, go here the video I made for it.

1) Holiday Clearance.
Fake Barbie dolls for just 20 cents in Michael’s Christmas clearance.

Part of my boxes often contain things that were in last year’s Christmas sale at 90% off, this year’s Valentine’s tshirts at 75% off, some 4th of July socks on clearance and other bits like that. I don’t stop once the boxes leave my house in November instead I start gearing up for next year. Not only does this mean we can get bargains but it means we don’t have to spend a chunk out of pocket all at once.

Last year I found some great items at the Dollar General when they had their summer clearance at 90% off. NINETY!

Cute tea sets originally $2, now 20 cents
Spades originally $1 now 10 cents
Flip flops originally $3 now 30 cents
Around 15 pairs of flip flops, some crayons and 20 toys later and I was out a mere $11!

2) FREE Items.

So often I get items (legally!) from stores for FREE!!! Yup, it’s true and part of what i do at Mummy Deals each week is show you how. When it comes to shoeboxes it’s no different. If we need the item, we keep it. If we don’t but it’s inappropriate or liquids it gets given elsewhere. If not it’s going to Samaritan’s Purse and in the shoeboxes. Here’s how:

a) Drugstore freebies. One of the common questions I ask people when introducing my site is, “Do you know you can get FREE things at Walgreens and CVS. In fact I haven’t paid for toiletries in 8 years!”

While I wait for them to pick their jaw up off the floor I start to explain how Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have great rebate programs that enable you to take advantage of FREE items. In fact one year at CVS I got over $1000 in free items! Check out my 411 section if you don’t know how.

b) School Supply Freebies

Many of the office stores offer rebate programs also and during school supply season offer free after rebate items or cheap deals. That’s when I stock up.

c) Using a high value coupon to get something free.
Free soap and 20 cans of playdough for just $1.99 after coupons.

d) Menards and Other Mail in Rebates.
Crayola pens FREE after rebate. They came in packs but to save space I removed them from the packaging.

Before you panic about rebates, it doesn’t involve a bunch of clipping, cutting and photocopying. if you’re nervous check out my article here on how it took me just a few minutes to get $37 worth of stuff for just the price of tax.

e) Free Samples.

If you’re a regular around here you know about Granny’s Deals. If not, sign up for the email and start getting freebies! The bottom line is, companies like to give you free items to try like gum or candy or band aids or other items that you can pack in a shoebox. I get things in the mail often and you can too.

3) Holiday Candy

All of our boxes need candy but what better day to get it than the day after Valentine’s, Christmas etc. Kids don’t care if they’re eating green and red suckers in July, just ensure that it hasn’t expired. If you have time to wait a week it’ll get to 75% off maybe higher! For Operation Christmas Child they can’t have chocolate and it needs to be hard candy or gum.

4) Regifting.

Yup, I said it! I re-gift and from a survey I read not long ago, I’m not the only one. 69% of people polled believe it’s now socially acceptable! If it’s not something you’re going to use, bless someone else with it. I scour around my house for items I may have been given and couldn’t use. I generally place them in a box with other gifts I’ve personally bought throughout the year. I look through them with new eyes: Do I really need them or would they be a bigger blessing to a child in Africa? If that’s the case I grab them and add them to a box. I just ensure that the stuff I’m giving is within the guidelines and then I give it.

5) Thrift Stores.

Although you shouldn’t give used items to Operation Christmas Child and other such organizations, thrift stores are still a wealth of goodies as they have unused stuff for great prices. I recently picked up some funny play teeth for only $.25!!! Be choosy about where you go and choosy about what you grab but I do know Goodwill stores get shipments from Target and things that were originally in the Target dollar Spot I’ve managed to snag for a quarter.
6) Shipping Costs.

I got this question recently,
“I have read your post about packing the shoeboxes and this is something that my family and I want to try to do. However, I just read on their website that you have to include $7 for each box to help cover shipping costs. This will make it hard for us to do more than a few boxes. Do you have any thoughts you can post on how you defray this part of the cost of the boxes?“

I get asked this question a lot so I want to address it now: Firstly: Operation Christmas Child asks for $7 per box but if you’re sending multiple boxes you can send one check. The easiest way to give is online and Follow Your Box.

Secondly: Give everything you can content-wise. If you can only afford to pack 6 boxes, pack 6 really well done boxes and then write a check or donate that amount. The rest of the items you may have (from freebies or wherever) put in a plastic bag and bring to your drop off location. They will then be shipped to the nearest packing place and will be used to fill empty boxes. This is honestly my favorite way to do it.

What I’ve found is that some people don’t have the time to shop and just want to give money. Ask around friends, family, church members and any groups you’re part of. Remember: even a dollar goes a long way.

Finally: Think of creative ways to make the money. Maybe you’re an eBay seller. Why not hunt around for a few items you could sell and then give the profit. I’ve also heard of children setting up lemonade stands to raise some cash.

7) Hunt Around Your House.

It’s unbelievable the kinds of things I find when I hunt: notepads that I bought that I’ve never used or key-chains we just don’t use that I was given. Here are a couple of examples of why you need to do a search:

a) Promotional Items
You know the kind. State Farm key-chains, AllState balls. All of which may end up at the thrift store or in the garbage. These have great potential for being excellent shoebox filler items. So look around the house and grab all the promo pens, t shirts, key-chains and other items you can find and give frugally! Skip over the kitschy items or the things that look broke, we’re not trying to be cheap here!

b) McDonalds Toys
I know it sounds silly but how much do kids pester to get the toy only to not use it? I know many of my friends don’t end up giving the toy to the child as it’s just “one more thing” Well, some kids live in such poverty that that “one more thing” maybe their only toy and a treasured possession. Instead of letting it sit around, why not consider giving it? I’ve got to tell you, my son has been given a couple of these and loves them. They actually have some decent ones nowadays and they make great fillers for your box.

8) Free or Cheap School Supplies.

During late July, August and September many stores will vie for your business by offering crazy low prices on items like pens and pencils. That’s when I go out and buy all the items I need for the shoeboxes. I grab 10 cent glue sticks, 5 cent packs of pencils and other great deals.

Besides the cheap items, I’ve ended up with lots for FREE after mail in rebates or loyalty programs at Office Depot, Office Max and Staples. Post-labor day is also an excellent time when most stores clearance their school supplies.

Some I donate to local school supply drives and some I give to Samaritan’s Purse. Your best bet is to find a teacher friend. Those guys can get more of the penny items and if they don’t need them for the classroom you can get more!

9) Hotel Items.

Because of shipping restrictions they can’t take liquids but soaps are fabulous and necessary. If you stay in hotels often, please consider grabbing your soaps and using them for shoeboxes. I usually put two per box as they’re quite small. Wrap them in foil then in a ziploc to put in the box. Remember to label them. Notepads and pens from hotels are also excellent and a great filler.

10) The Dollar Store.

If you’re in a crunch and haven’t planned ahead for Operation Christmas Child then there’s a couple of places I would recommend heading and The Dollar Store is the first.

The Dollar Stores is a great place to pick up lots of miscellaneous items. When you’re packing several boxes you can’t afford to run out and spend $25/box. I aim to pack more boxes than stuff them full of expensive toys and for that reason I head to the Dollar Store. When there I don’t just pick out a bunch of dollar items either! I try and find the 3 packs of party favors. That way I can often find 6 bouncy balls/crowns/socks for $1, open up the packs and put one item into 6 boxes. The sorting centers will open the boxes to ensure that nothing is yucky but it’s totally fine to take things out of the packages so you can put more in.

The other places to head are the Dollar Spot section at Target or JoAnn Fabrics or other stores that have similar areas.
]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:55:32 GMT A2B82FCAA54F3DD9FC241867E6AA7CEF 8 Ways To Get Involved With Operation Christmas Child http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1805760 8 Ways To Get Involved With Operation Christmas Child by Clair on February 23, 2012 (from MummyDeals.org) Around these parts is a year-long, family-involved project. I love the fact that through this simple idea of a shoebox filled with goodies that children in impoverished parts of the world will receive hope, love, a smile and hope from Jesus and that we here in America can teach our kids to give to those less fortunate. If you’d like to get involved stick around as today we’re dreaming of simple ways for you to help out. I thought I’d put together a few for you too. 1) Start a tote now. I’ve got a bin downstairs that’s already full and it’s only February. It’s never too early to start collecting and now’s a great time to buy a bin, label it OCC and start putting goodies in. 2) Ask your dentist for donations. One year a friend gathered around 100 kid toothbrushes because his dentist had ordered a bunch in and they’d got his name wrong. Although the dentist couldn’t use them, we could. If everyone asked their dentist for donations of brushes and paste, we’d get a ton of donations. I do know that plenty of dental reps give out free samples and if you can get your hands on those that’d be fab too! 3) Gather hotel soaps. Planning a trip this year? most people take their own soap but if you’re staying in a hotel you get new soap. Grab it each day and then they’ll re-stock for as long as you stay there. Ask friends who travel for business to stock up for you. 4) Get baby food containers. Last year we made a real push towards craft kits for the kids. They’re simple, fun, practical and can be made with odds and ends that you may not use but kids can. This year our push is for these Homemade Craft Kits. Are you a MOPS group? MOMS group? School? Then we need your help! Please ask your Dad and Mom friends to wash out plastic baby food containers and use them for the kits. I’ll take them off your hands if you live in Chicagoland. 5) Ask for donations of craft materials. Maybe your Grandma used to knit but sadly no longer can. Chances are her house is full of yarn and yarn makes a great OCC item. Or how about you? Got buttons from a jacket you no longer own? Scraps of material? Stickers? Paper pieces from scrapbooking? All those items are great for our homemade craft kits so gather them up and donate them. 6) Ask friends/relatives/strangers to clean out their closets. Last year my MOPS group cleaned out their craft closet and I got two bags full of goodies to use. A local company sent me a bunch of their “leftover” coloring books and crayons. 7) Ask neighbors. A couple of years back I dropped off a notice to everyone on our block asking for school supplies for OCC. I then went back in a week to people and filled a back with goodies. 8) Collect promo items. Ask around offices to see if they can spare some pens or pads of paper. Chances are people are hapy to give. That goes for crayons from restaurants too. While you’re grabbing some for your kids ask if you can have a couple more packs for OCC. Live in Chicagoland? This year the Mummy Deals community is aiming for 1000 boxes and you can join in too. Gather goodies and email me for pickup/to meet. We’ll have a Packing Party in November 2012. *** here in Vancouver, we will have a packing party on the Sunday of Collection week in November! 8 Ways To Get Involved With Operation Christmas Child

by Clair on February 23, 2012 (from MummyDeals.org)

Around these parts is a year-long, family-involved project. I love the fact that through this simple idea of a shoebox filled with goodies that children in impoverished parts of the world will receive hope, love, a smile and hope from Jesus and that we here in America can teach our kids to give to those less fortunate. If you’d like to get involved stick around as today we’re dreaming of simple ways for you to help out. I thought I’d put together a few for you too.

1) Start a tote now.
I’ve got a bin downstairs that’s already full and it’s only February. It’s never too early to start collecting and now’s a great time to buy a bin, label it OCC and start putting goodies in.

2) Ask your dentist for donations.
One year a friend gathered around 100 kid toothbrushes because his dentist had ordered a bunch in and they’d got his name wrong. Although the dentist couldn’t use them, we could. If everyone asked their dentist for donations of brushes and paste, we’d get a ton of donations. I do know that plenty of dental reps give out free samples and if you can get your hands on those that’d be fab too!

3) Gather hotel soaps.
Planning a trip this year? most people take their own soap but if you’re staying in a hotel you get new soap. Grab it each day and then they’ll re-stock for as long as you stay there. Ask friends who travel for business to stock up for you.

4) Get baby food containers.
Last year we made a real push towards craft kits for the kids. They’re simple, fun, practical and can be made with odds and ends that you may not use but kids can. This year our push is for these Homemade Craft Kits. Are you a MOPS group? MOMS group? School? Then we need your help! Please ask your Dad and Mom friends to wash out plastic baby food containers and use them for the kits. I’ll take them off your hands if you live in Chicagoland.

5) Ask for donations of craft materials.
Maybe your Grandma used to knit but sadly no longer can. Chances are her house is full of yarn and yarn makes a great OCC item. Or how about you? Got buttons from a jacket you no longer own? Scraps of material? Stickers? Paper pieces from scrapbooking? All those items are great for our homemade craft kits so gather them up and donate them.

6) Ask friends/relatives/strangers to clean out their closets.
Last year my MOPS group cleaned out their craft closet and I got two bags full of goodies to use. A local company sent me a bunch of their “leftover” coloring books and crayons.

7) Ask neighbors.
A couple of years back I dropped off a notice to everyone on our block asking for school supplies for OCC. I then went back in a week to people and filled a back with goodies.

8) Collect promo items.
Ask around offices to see if they can spare some pens or pads of paper. Chances are people are hapy to give. That goes for crayons from restaurants too. While you’re grabbing some for your kids ask if you can have a couple more packs for OCC.

Live in Chicagoland? This year the Mummy Deals community is aiming for 1000 boxes and you can join in too. Gather goodies and email me for pickup/to meet. We’ll have a Packing Party in November 2012.

*** here in Vancouver, we will have a packing party on the Sunday of Collection week in November!

]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:48:43 GMT 700C906B8E42F2DD93E79628855147AB Candies - 15 cents http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1797186 from Sherine: I was at Andresen St WINCO yesterday, and they had boxes of Conversation Hearts for 15 cents each at the checkout. I think these would keep well until November, and might be fun for the kids. They are easy to miss, because they are tucked behind the counters next to the clerks, so you have to look for them.
I was at Andresen St WINCO yesterday, and they had boxes of Conversation Hearts for 15 cents each at the checkout. I think these would keep well until November, and might be fun for the kids. They are easy to miss, because they are tucked behind the counters next to the clerks, so you have to look for them.

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:45:29 GMT 2755E0C9A8E78E2E267A01027DF1D2C2 Shoebox Zoo http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1789688 Hello! We are Joy's Zoo. She bought us on "after Valentine's Day Clearance" for really inexpensive prices. We are going to be sent to kids around the world in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes in November. Maybe you can go out and buy some of our friends NOW for your shoeboxes and bring joy to another child's life! (All of these animals were purchased for less that $2.50 each, 3 were free, 8 were under $1.50... at Walmart and Walgreens... check out the bargains at your stores now)
Hello!
We are Joy's Zoo. She bought us on "after Valentine's Day Clearance" for really inexpensive prices. We are going to be sent to kids around the world in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes in November. Maybe you can go out and buy some of our friends NOW for your shoeboxes and bring joy to another child's life!

(All of these animals were purchased for less that $2.50 each, 3 were free, 8 were under $1.50... at Walmart and Walgreens... check out the bargains at your stores now)

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:47:54 GMT B52026217B87EF9D1F35B7D3E7325047 Post Valentines Day Sales http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1781798 Keep your eye open for closeouts / sales on Valentines items... lots of stuffed animals and trinkets should be available relatively inexpensive. If you find a great deal, please let me know at <a href="mailto:joy@firste.org">joy@firste.org so I can share the finds! Here's how a mom in Indiana does her shoe boxes... I hope it inspires you like it does me! Working together we can touch so many kids! From Mummy Deals: Operation Christmas Child 2012 Plan by Clair on February 7, 2012 I don’t wait until October to shop for Operation Christmas Child. I shop year round and am always planning for it which is why in 2009 I was able to pack 45 boxes for $45! If you haven’t seen it this year I made a video called The 12 Months of Occ’ing about how to shop ahead and be able to do more. <a href="http://mummydeals.org/operation-christmas-child-2012-plan/">http://mummydeals.org/operation-christmas-child-2012-plan/ Last year the grand Operation Christmas Child total from Mummy Deals was: 700!!!!!!!!!!! To me these boxes do not just represent a box but a life. A life that this Christmas will know someone loves them and more than that will be reached with the Gospel of Jesus. These children on the other side of the boxes are very different to most of ours: they sometimes lack basic necessities like running water, food, shelter and clothing. They live in the poorest of conditions and life is hard. Just a small token of love like a shoebox can help them realize that someone truly cares. There are so many stories of whole villages who’ve been impacted through this ministry and I’m privileged to be part of it. This year I want to do more. My goal is 1000 shoeboxes and to do that we have a plan that I’d love for you to be a part of. We’re doing it a little differently and are going to break it up into bite-size chunks. If you live in Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland we need people to head up different departments and get donations. Would you consider helping? Current Needs ?Volunteer hotel person to call hotels and ask for soaps, pens and pencils. ?Volunteer promotional items person to hunt around for promotional items. ?Volunteer craft person to think of the best ways to get people making homemade items. We’d love for help in these ares so please email me at mummydeals at yahoo if you can help! February: Valentine’s toy/hard candy clearance March: Toiletry drive. Call local McDonalds for donations. April: Easter clearance. Call for Easter candy. May: Request for homemade items. Ask for garage sale donations. June: Book drive. Unused garage sale items requested. Call local McDonalds for donations July: Sock/new clothes drive. Garage sale to raise money for shipping costs. If anyone is having a VBS: everyone brings a new toy. August: School supply drive September: Shoe box drive. Call local McDonalds for donations Hotel toiletry drive. Dental supply drive. October: Clothing drive. November: Packing party December: Toys and wrapping paper drive
If you find a great deal, please let me know at joy@firste.org so I can share the finds!

Here's how a mom in Indiana does her shoe boxes... I hope it inspires you like it does me! Working together we can touch so many kids!

From Mummy Deals:

Operation Christmas Child 2012 Plan
by Clair on February 7, 2012

I don’t wait until October to shop for Operation Christmas Child. I shop year round and am always planning for it which is why in 2009 I was able to pack 45 boxes for $45! If you haven’t seen it this year I made a video called The 12 Months of Occ’ing about how to shop ahead and be able to do more.

http://mummydeals.org/operation-christmas-child-2012-plan/

Last year the grand Operation Christmas Child total from Mummy Deals was: 700!!!!!!!!!!! To me these boxes do not just represent a box but a life. A life that this Christmas will know someone loves them and more than that will be reached with the Gospel of Jesus.

These children on the other side of the boxes are very different to most of ours: they sometimes lack basic necessities like running water, food, shelter and clothing. They live in the poorest of conditions and life is hard. Just a small token of love like a shoebox can help them realize that someone truly cares. There are so many stories of whole villages who’ve been impacted through this ministry and I’m privileged to be part of it.

This year I want to do more. My goal is 1000 shoeboxes and to do that we have a plan that I’d love for you to be a part of. We’re doing it a little differently and are going to break it up into bite-size chunks. If you live in Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland we need people to head up different departments and get donations. Would you consider helping?

Current Needs
?Volunteer hotel person to call hotels and ask for soaps, pens and pencils.
?Volunteer promotional items person to hunt around for promotional items.
?Volunteer craft person to think of the best ways to get people making homemade items.

We’d love for help in these ares so please email me at mummydeals at yahoo if you can help!

February: Valentine’s toy/hard candy clearance

March: Toiletry drive.
Call local McDonalds for donations.

April: Easter clearance.
Call for Easter candy.

May: Request for homemade items.
Ask for garage sale donations.

June: Book drive.
Unused garage sale items requested.
Call local McDonalds for donations

July: Sock/new clothes drive.
Garage sale to raise money for shipping costs.
If anyone is having a VBS: everyone brings a new toy.

August: School supply drive

September: Shoe box drive.
Call local McDonalds for donations
Hotel toiletry drive.
Dental supply drive.

October: Clothing drive.

November: Packing party

December: Toys and wrapping paper drive

]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:36:45 GMT 5D6A3C32BE3A96E7F8AC6DC98622F57E Walgreens Find http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1729439 From Joy: Walgreens has Cars & Dora kids activity booklets (about 4 x 8 - pefect for Shoe boxes) in the Valentine's section. They are 2 for $1.00 Walgreens has Cars & Dora kids activity booklets (about 4 x 8 - pefect for Shoe boxes) in the Valentine's section. They are 2 for $1.00
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:38:13 GMT 7EB826ECCD784103E6A70FE8377BE21A Grocery Outlet Find http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1729438 From Sherine: I stopped at Grocery Outlet after Bible study today and found Disney character (Cars & Princess) kid's flashlights for $1.99, and they include 2 AA Energizer batteries in the package. I thought that was a pretty good deal for anyone who is interested in getting some for shoe boxes. I stopped at Grocery Outlet after Bible study today and found Disney character (Cars & Princess) kid's flashlights for $1.99, and they include 2 AA Energizer batteries in the package. I thought that was a pretty good deal for anyone who is interested in getting some for shoe boxes.
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:37:07 GMT E5047EB835D787967A86446480692AC9 Toys on Clearance! http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1712177 Check stores now for toy clearances (after Christmas). Sherine emailed this morning (Thursday) I was at Fred Meyer yesterday, and they had just put a lot of toys out for 40% off the lowest clearance price. I got packages of "silly bands" for .36 each. It might be a good place for people to stop by if they are out that way. I went to the one on HWY 99. Also, Target will have Toys at 70% off starting today or Friday. You might find some good deals on toys for shoe boxes!
Sherine emailed this morning (Thursday)
I was at Fred Meyer yesterday, and they had just put a lot of toys out for 40% off the lowest clearance price. I got packages of "silly bands" for .36 each. It might be a good place for people to stop by if they are out that way. I went to the one on HWY 99.

Also, Target will have Toys at 70% off starting today or Friday.

You might find some good deals on toys for shoe boxes!

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:36:33 GMT 1632EBF69BDF628BF14EA9FAFAB79E6D Where did your shoe box go? http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1698198 Did you use the pay shipping on line option for your shoe boxes in November? If so, have you heard where your shoe boxes went? We'd love to hear! My shoe boxes went to Peru! My friend from Portland, Maine told me hers went to Bogata, Columbia! Joy
My shoe boxes went to Peru!
My friend from Portland, Maine told me hers went to Bogata, Columbia!

Joy]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:17:48 GMT 95E047C7BB5EA8AFD42C317CC5EF2082 HOW TO PACK A SHOEBOX ON A BUDGET #2 - Free Items http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1697928 How to Pack a Shoebox on a Budget Part 2: Free Items by Clair on October 21, 2010 (From Mummy Deals) I LOVE Operation Christmas Child and last year managed to pack 45 good quality boxes for just $45 because I didn’t just start in November right before packing week. If that’s you and you don’t have totes full of goodies you’ve saved throughout the year, don’t panic! This is a whole series of posts on Budget Tips for Operation Christmas Child Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing my tips on how to pack a shoebox on a budget. Today is about ‘FREE Items’ So often I get items (legally!) from stores for FREE!!! Yup, it’s true and part of what i do at Mummy Deals each week is show you how. When it comes to shoeboxes it’s no different. If we need the item, we keep it. If we don’t but it’s inappropriate or liquids it gets given elsewhere. If not it’s going to Samaritan’s Purse and in the shoeboxes. Here’s how: 1) Drugstore freebies. One of the common questions I ask people when introducing my site is, “Do you know you can get FREE things at Walgreens and CVS. In fact I haven’t paid for toiletries in 8 years!” While I wait for them to pick their jaw up off the floor I start to explain how Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have great rebate programs that enable you to take advantage of FREE items. In fact one year at CVS I got over $1000 in free items! I never pay for toothpastes and toothbrushes which are perfect for the shoeboxes and have also been able to load up on other goodies like lipbalms for free after rebate or coupons. 2) School Supply Freebies Many of the office stores offer rebate programs also and during school supply season offer free after rebate items or cheap deals. That’s when I stock up. 3) Using a high value coupon to get something free. If you see a soap for $1 but you’ve also got a coupon for it for $1, guess what? That item just cost you only tax! 4) Free samples. The bottom line is, companies like to give you free items to try like gum or candy or band aids or other items that you can pack in a shoebox. I get things in the mail often and you can too. One place you can get free samples is from <a target="_new" href="http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx?povid=cat14503-env172199-module092411-lLinkISNSAMPLES">walmart (click for direct link to the samples page). Right now there's only Meow Mix and Snapple, but check back often for other samples. Visit the Mummy Deals Website for more ideas. <a target="_new" href="http://www.mummydeals.org">www.mummydeals.org Another site with more "local" deals is Frugal Living NW. <a target="_new" href="http://www.frugallivingnw.com">www.frugallivingnw.com by Clair on October 21, 2010 (From Mummy Deals)

I LOVE Operation Christmas Child and last year managed to pack 45 good quality boxes for just $45 because I didn’t just start in November right before packing week. If that’s you and you don’t have totes full of goodies you’ve saved throughout the year, don’t panic! This is a whole series of posts on Budget Tips for Operation Christmas Child Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing my tips on how to pack a shoebox on a budget.

Today is about ‘FREE Items’

So often I get items (legally!) from stores for FREE!!! Yup, it’s true and part of what i do at Mummy Deals each week is show you how. When it comes to shoeboxes it’s no different. If we need the item, we keep it. If we don’t but it’s inappropriate or liquids it gets given elsewhere. If not it’s going to Samaritan’s Purse and in the shoeboxes. Here’s how:

1) Drugstore freebies. One of the common questions I ask people when introducing my site is, “Do you know you can get FREE things at Walgreens and CVS. In fact I haven’t paid for toiletries in 8 years!”

While I wait for them to pick their jaw up off the floor I start to explain how Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have great rebate programs that enable you to take advantage of FREE items. In fact one year at CVS I got over $1000 in free items!

I never pay for toothpastes and toothbrushes which are perfect for the shoeboxes and have also been able to load up on other goodies like lipbalms for free after rebate or coupons.

2) School Supply Freebies

Many of the office stores offer rebate programs also and during school supply season offer free after rebate items or cheap deals. That’s when I stock up.

3) Using a high value coupon to get something free.
If you see a soap for $1 but you’ve also got a coupon for it for $1, guess what? That item just cost you only tax!

4) Free samples.
The bottom line is, companies like to give you free items to try like gum or candy or band aids or other items that you can pack in a shoebox. I get things in the mail often and you can too.

One place you can get free samples is from walmart (click for direct link to the samples page). Right now there's only Meow Mix and Snapple, but check back often for other samples.

Visit the Mummy Deals Website for more ideas. www.mummydeals.org

Another site with more "local" deals is Frugal Living NW. www.frugallivingnw.com

]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:30:00 GMT CBA02FD2767822CB6E535A416ABD7656 A Deal at Safeway http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1697887 Okay, this one isn't really for Operation Christmas Child, but it is a money saver for you... so that could help your budget have more room for OCC! "The Hallmark Catalina is back at Safeway! In the past we were able to scour the aisle for $1.49 cards and turn this into a couponless moneymaker. I scoured the aisle and could not find a single $1.49 card and I fear those days are over. But 3 cards for a dollar is still a pretty good deal." Buy Hallmark cards between 1/4-2/14 (Excludes $.99 cards) Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina [What's a Catalina? - It's the coupons that print at the cash register after you purchase your items] Buy 3 Hallmark Cards on sale $1.99 Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina Pay $5.97, Get $5 Catalina $.32 each after Catalina If you can find $1.49 cards you’ve really scored! Buy 3 Hallmark Cards on sale $1.49 Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina Pay $4.47, Get $5 Catalina FREE plus $.53 overage after Catalina
"The Hallmark Catalina is back at Safeway! In the past we were able to scour the aisle for $1.49 cards and turn this into a couponless moneymaker. I scoured the aisle and could not find a single $1.49 card and I fear those days are over. But 3 cards for a dollar is still a pretty good deal."

Buy Hallmark cards between 1/4-2/14 (Excludes $.99 cards)
Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina [What's a Catalina? - It's the coupons that print at the cash register after you purchase your items]

Buy 3 Hallmark Cards on sale $1.99
Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina
Pay $5.97, Get $5 Catalina
$.32 each after Catalina

If you can find $1.49 cards you’ve really scored!
Buy 3 Hallmark Cards on sale $1.49
Buy 3, Get $5 Catalina
Pay $4.47, Get $5 Catalina
FREE plus $.53 overage after Catalina

]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:18:07 GMT 442FDF3D5DBBF0E86FA4EBBC60F13ED5 Plastic Shoe Boxes at WINCO - 98 Cents http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1697775 Lori B passed on this information Saturday (1/7) "Winco has plastic shoe boxes for 98 cents. I saw them last night at the store on 136th, I'm betting they have them at the other stores too. It looks like 98 cents is a normal price too, so they might be available there all the time. Just thought I'd share the find." THANKS, LORI!  If you find a great deal, please let us know so we can share.
"Winco has plastic shoe boxes for 98 cents. I saw them last night at the store on 136th, I'm betting they have them at the other stores too.
It looks like 98 cents is a normal price too, so they might be available there all the time.

Just thought I'd share the find."

THANKS, LORI!

If you find a great deal, please let us know so we can share.]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:54:50 GMT 14D36D848E6672A045B14BC2716108F6 Toothpaste for "free" this week at Walgreens http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1686942 You can often get items at Walgreens for free using coupons and Walgreens Register Rewards. This is not the program that recently ended. It is 'coupons' that print at the register for $$ off your next visit. They can be used on nearly anything you purchase, not a specific item like a coupon requires. Here's an example for this week (1/8-1/14) Colgate Total Toothpaste (4 oz) – 2/$6.00 Buy 2 and use 2 x $1/1 Colgate coupon in Walgreens Winter Diabetes & You Magazine (Usually located in the pharmacy area - it's free. You may have to ask for a couple copies at the pharmacist counter if they are not set out) Receive $4 RR (Register Rewards) Final price: 2 FREE The breakdown... You buy the toothpaste is on sale 2 for $6.00 You use 2 coupons for $1 off 1 Colgate Makes your purchase price $4.00 A register reward for $4 on your next purchase will print out. Use the $4 on your next shopping trip == the item is virtually free. Things to be aware of: Don't use a register reward to purchase another item offering register rewards from the same company. The new register rewards won't print if it is the same company. So don't try to use your colgate register rewards to do the same deal over. :D Note: If there isn't any on the shelf, ask when it will be restocked. A couple of the stores I visit get additional stock on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Here's an example for this week (1/8-1/14)

Colgate Total Toothpaste (4 oz) – 2/$6.00
Buy 2 and use 2 x $1/1 Colgate coupon in Walgreens Winter Diabetes & You Magazine (Usually located in the pharmacy area - it's free. You may have to ask for a couple copies at the pharmacist counter if they are not set out)
Receive $4 RR (Register Rewards)
Final price: 2 FREE

The breakdown...
You buy the toothpaste is on sale 2 for $6.00
You use 2 coupons for $1 off 1 Colgate
Makes your purchase price $4.00
A register reward for $4 on your next purchase will print out. Use the $4 on your next shopping trip == the item is virtually free.

Things to be aware of:
Don't use a register reward to purchase another item offering register rewards from the same company. The new register rewards won't print if it is the same company. So don't try to use your colgate register rewards to do the same deal over. :D

Note: If there isn't any on the shelf, ask when it will be restocked. A couple of the stores I visit get additional stock on Tuesdays or Thursdays.]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:45:00 GMT E72AC330898E79D72CD5F0F299FD486E Play-doh Coupon http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1686743 Here's a coupon you can print for Play-doh... If you buy 2 four packs you get one free. <a target="_new" href="http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/index.aspx?pid=15493&zid=yn07&nid=10&bid=010510013615DEDA87618219&cid=16818100">Play-doh Coupon If you haven't used coupons.com before, when you go to print it will ask to install a 'coupon printer'. It is safe to do that... it's just the little gizmo that translates the things you select into printable coupons.  You could select other coupons while you are there. It will print three different coupons on a sheet of paper (usually). You can print most coupons twice before it tells you "print limit reached". You can print two from each computer in your household. You do not need to sign up for their emails or even enter your zipcode. ... Now we just need to find a place with a good deal on the play-doh 4 packs! Currently Fred Meyer has these on sale for $2.29. Here is what your transaction would look like: Play-Doh $2.29 Buy 3 Use Buy (2) 4-Pack of Colors Play-Doh get (1) 4-pack Play-Doh FREE printable coupon Stack with 10% off Home in-ad coupon from Fred Meyer Ad Final Price: $1.38 each 4-pack! Target: Buy 3 Playdoh 4pks at $2.24 Use Buy 2 Get 1 Free Playdoh coupon Pay $4.48 Final Price: $1.49 per pack! If you buy 2 four packs you get one free.

Play-doh Coupon

If you haven't used coupons.com before, when you go to print it will ask to install a 'coupon printer'. It is safe to do that... it's just the little gizmo that translates the things you select into printable coupons. You could select other coupons while you are there. It will print three different coupons on a sheet of paper (usually). You can print most coupons twice before it tells you "print limit reached". You can print two from each computer in your household. You do not need to sign up for their emails or even enter your zipcode.

... Now we just need to find a place with a good deal on the play-doh 4 packs!

Currently Fred Meyer has these on sale for $2.29. Here is what your transaction would look like:

Play-Doh $2.29
Buy 3
Use Buy (2) 4-Pack of Colors Play-Doh get (1) 4-pack Play-Doh FREE printable coupon
Stack with 10% off Home in-ad coupon from Fred Meyer Ad
Final Price: $1.38 each 4-pack!

Target:
Buy 3 Playdoh 4pks at $2.24
Use Buy 2 Get 1 Free Playdoh coupon
Pay $4.48
Final Price: $1.49 per pack!]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:30:00 GMT 6593774231F255900C8DB132067BB275 Shoe Box - Websites with Shoe Box Savings Ideas http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1643714 Here are a few blogs with some ideas for saving on shoe boxes. Several of them have links where you can sign up for emails directly from them if you are interested. It's worth the time to explore some of the ideas and formulate your own plan for saving throughout the year for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes. <a href="http://mummydeals.org/category/how-to-pack-a-shoebox-on-a-budget/">http://mummydeals.org/category/how-to-pack-a-shoebox-on-a-budget/ <a href="http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-fun/give-back-operation-christmas-child-shoe-boxes-are-due-this-week/">http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-fun/give-back-operation-christmas-child-shoe-boxes-are-due-this-week/ <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2011/10/10/family-giving-samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child/">http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2011/10/10/family-giving-samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child/ Joy
http://mummydeals.org/category/how-to-pack-a-shoebox-on-a-budget/

http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-fun/give-back-operation-christmas-child-shoe-boxes-are-due-this-week/

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2011/10/10/family-giving-samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child/

Joy]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:15:07 GMT B1ECA572C0A1DACB0CC7F98E6AC6DA28 Shoe Box - Watch for After Christmas Clearance Sales http://firste.org/occshoeboxes.cfm?feature=2987222&postid=1643539 Post Christmas Clearance sales will start next Monday (December 26) and you may be able to find some great deals on seasonal items, such as stuffed animals (with a Christmas theme), Christmas clothing, hard candy, candy canes, etc. If you are out and about and you spot a great deal, let me know and I'll pass it on to the rest of the email list. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:20:20 GMT 6C6B892E5A2D98DDBCCFF53988333121