Friday, October 15, 2010

November 2010 Widow's Challenge: Thanksgiving Food Drive



As I have been brainstorming ideas for my upcoming Widow's Challenges, I have had trouble choosing just one or two as the holiday season quickly approaches!  There are so many needs and many more opportunities to give during the Thanksgiving/Christmas/Winter season.

With Thanksgiving in the near future, I thought a food drive seemed appropriate for November's challenge (though I'm personally starting it now in October).  I was inspired by Passionate Penny Pincher's personal goal of setting aside $3-5 of her weekly grocery budget for charity. So, your November Widow's Challenge, should you choose to accept it, is...

  1. Set aside $3 from your weekly grocery budget.  I recommend actually having $3 in cash set aside, as this makes it more tangible then just mentally and on your debit card. Also, this is not $3 additionally to your grocery budget, but from your budget (hopefully you have a budget)... therefore, think of an item or two that you can give up during the next month in order to give $3 to those who are less fortunate.  For us, that will mean no Oreos (my hubby's favorite) or cups of coffee from Starbucks this month.
  2. How far can you make that $3 stretch each week?  If your new to coupons, check out Couponing 101's post on Coupon Basics, for tips and information on how to use coupons successfully and stretch your dollar (this will be a good challenge for you to try couponing). Non perishable foods are best, but check out your local food pantry as some do take perishable food in certain conditions. Also, check out your local grocery store's best deals each week by heading to Money Saving Mom and clicking on your specific store.
  3. Investigate your options for local food pantries and choose the pantry you will be donating to. I did a quick Google search to find out my options. I'll be donating to The Open Door, serving Cape Ann in Massachusetts. Check out your local pantry's website or call them to see if there are any restrictions or information you should know before donating items. Get your friends to attempt the challenge, too. $3 is something most of us can set aside from what we're already spending. 
I plan on waiting until late November before I donate my items, so I can see exactly how much I was able to donate for $3 a week! Though what's most important is not how much we can give, but that we choose to give.

Excited? I am!  Ready, set, go!

New to the "Widow's Challenge"? Check out what the Widow's Challenge is all about.

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