What I do with all that extra stuff I buy

So, I have had some people ask me what I do with the things I buy that I couldn't possibly use in this lifetime, or for that matter at all. I would like to share that with you today. Whenever I buy something I know I won't use I put it into my box. I currently  have a box with Neosporin eczema kits, Venus razors, floss, Almay make up removers, Almay deodorant, Head and Shoulders shampoo, and Poise feminine products.


When my box is full, I give it to a good family friend who then helps me distribute it to where it needs to go. She has taken it to churches, the Bridge, and other connections I wouldn't even dream of. Why do I give this stuff away though? Why buy it in the first place when I know I'm not going to use it? Here is my mind thought behind this. I buy this stuff, I get it for free. If a "homeless" person needs floss and all they have is $5 for supper and floss, then that's a dollar out of their pocket that they will not be able to spend on food. Yes I know a homeless person probably wouldn't buy floss. anyway, I have the coupons to make these products free. I donate them and that way the people who truly need them but cannot afford them, are able to have them.

Over the past year, I have donated almost $1,000 worth of products that I have gotten for free. I don't do it for a tax ride off. I don't expect an award or metal. I do it because I can. I am going to share a story that not a lot of people know.

In 2011, when my husband and I were living paycheck to paycheck, I was scared. We had no money and worse, no food. There wasn't enough money in our account to buy anything really and I didn't know what to do. So someone suggested the food pantry. I went there, as embarrassed as could be, about as ashamed as I had ever felt, and walked out with 5 bags of groceries that my family desperately needed. Ever since that day, I vowed that I would never put our family in a situation that dire again. So I picked up couponing. And we have never needed assistance again.

I know getting help is nothing to be ashamed of, but my husband and I are very independent and don't like to take help from other people. So now whenever I get food that I won't eat but got for free, or food that I bought to try and no one likes in our household, it instantly gets dropped off at the church. I know I have given back more than they donated to me, but there is more than just one family out there who needs help and they deserve it. If I could help everyone and take away that fear of not being able to put food on the table or having shampoo to wash their hair, then I would. For now though, all I can do is keep on doing what I am and hope that others pick up on the idea and carry it forward.