Since getting into the CVS thing less than a month ago, I have come to appreciate the fact that my family always has new supplies to replenish what are used up. I've read numerous posts in which people ask what they're going to do with the Freestyle monitors they recently picked up because of the ECB's that are earned. I made a trip to CVS this evening and maxed out my limit of two with the intention of donating them to a local food pantry who also distributes hygiene products.

I challenge everyone to pick three to five non-food and beverage items from their excess supply to donate to a local shelter, food pantry, etc. I will be doing the same.

To me, one of the best things about shopping this way is the ability to donate much more that I would normally be able to afford. Our local food pantry has seen a marked increase in the number of people seeking assistance, especially elderly folks on fixed incomes.

Kim/SC

Yes, I already donate to a charitable cause that need non food items when they can't buy with food stamps. I also give to my church food pantry. Good idea

Thanks for the reminder! I tend to do all of my donating in the fall and donate around 500 items for a school contest my kids are in.

I look at it this way..use it before the expiration date or donate it!

Sunday an E5 tornado( they say 205 mph winds) struck a town less than 30 miles from here, nearly 300 homes were levelled. 7 people died. Our county and 3 others have been declared a disaster. Thankfully we had no damage as we are in the southern part of the county. Red Cross is always looking for donations(esp monetary). I always find places to donate(just not usually so close to home).

What a great challenge! Thank you for putting it out there~~I always donate and it's about time~~

There is no way I could ever donate without shopping the way I do. I love it when I can take stuff to the homeless shelter or the humane society.

I'm definately donating my stock...................who needs 23 bottles of laundry detergent at one time?

I send all my extras to our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you don't know anyone who is serving, but would like to send pkgs or letters, go to anysoldier.com!

I just gave away baby wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, maxi pads and meters to a womans shelter. Don't forget if you do that you can get a tax thing for tax time loss as to what they call it as my dS is so sick my mind is shot.

You're talking about taking a tax deduction for your donations. There's a lot of controversy over whether we should claim deductions for things that we've gotten for free. Definitely speak w/ a tax professional and make sure that what you want to claim as a deduction is allowed, otherwise you could be setting yourself up for an audit.

There is one place I donate and they ask for value given on their receipt. As long as you show you paid for the item on your receipt ie $3.99 for a toothbrush then you can claim that price . They don't understand the cash back ie ECB.

I am already one up.

Brought a large box stuffed with everything from TP to canned tomatoes to one of the guys that I work with. He is tring to put his wife thru beauty college, 3 kids, mortage and barley makes over min wage. Every so often I will bring him a sack full of grocies, soap, toothpaste, food, dish soap, cloths soap what ever I have. Today thought I would really load him with goodies since school will be out in a few days. At least I found a home for the Sierra Mist!

I've donated too, two ultra mini meters, a pack of razors, and dh is ALWAYS supplying the paper products at his work!

Thanks for the reminder!

I just recently donated to a friend, who needs help....he got just about one of everything I have...not including food. Although i did dontate quite a bit for the Post Office food drive. I made it a point to have the biggest most heaping bag.

Regarding taking tax deductions. I don't think there is anything wrong with it as long as it is done within reason. It is definitely a personal decision and choice, although there are some guidelines that one must follow.

Personally, I don't take deductions for donations. I figure the purpose is to give and if I were to take a tax deduction the I wouldn't be giving in the right spirit.

If you give in the right spirit, then it's a wonderful thing, however, there are people out there (not pointing fingers here by any means) who give just for the sake of being able to take a tax deduction.

We had a discussion in one of my college classes about charitable donations and were asked if we felt they would decrease if they were no longer tax deductible. I think that for the most part people are giving, so I don't know that they would decrease too terribly much.

Thank you all for your responses. It's terrific that all of you had a huge head start on the challenge. It touches my heart to read stories about the kindness of others.

I applaud you all.