Over the past few months, we have been regular visitors to our local food pantry. Not to get food, but to drop off several boxes of donations.
When my husband stopped by this evening to drop off our latest donation, they recognized him instantly and greeted him with a big smile.
Here are some important facts that you should know about your local food pantry:
- Their need is year-round, not just during the holidays. The people who use this valuable service have to eat everyday, and so it is important to give just as much during non holidays as it is during holidays.
- Don’t let the name Food Pantry mislead you, they need non-food donations just as much as they need non-perishable food donations.
Our family donates a box usually every other Thursday to our food pantry. I shop regularly at Walgreens for the food pantry because they run great promotions on food and non-food related items that are perfect to donate.
I monitor their weekly sales flyers and match their promotions with my coupons. Savvy bargain shoppers can usually purchase products at 60 – 80% off Walgreen’s prices. They also offer Register Rewards on many of their products, which are a form of gift certificate for future purchases.
Right before Christmas, Walgreens in my area offered about $50 worth of products, that were perfect for donating to a food pantry, for free! I purchased shampoo, shaving cream, contact lens solution, deodorant and more and then received the same amount back in Register Rewards. As long as you redeem these rewards before their due date, you have gotten the products for free.
Walgreens makes it easy to donate many useful items regularly to my local food pantry without having to spend much money. It only involves an investment of my time to monitor sales flyers and collect coupons. An investment I am more than willing to make to help my community.
What additional creative ideas do you suggest for supporting your local food pantry year-round?
Filed under: Community Service, How to help your local food pantry, Organizations needing assistance Tagged: | food pantries, food pantry, helping neighbors, making a difference, NH charities, Walgreens
