Anyone who knows me (or reads this site), OBVIOUSLY knows that I LOVE a good bargain.  I find buying at full price downright silly.

Something hit me this past year. My husband and I both make good incomes. We’ve been incredibly blessed to be where we are with no college diploma. Our kids are healthy.  It’s time for us to find ways to give back.

This post isn’t a “rah, rah -- go us”. I hate when people are like that. It’s more of hoping that this maybe something you consider this season.

There are so many out there that need help.  I’ve found no greater satisfaction than giving.   We give monthly to World Vision and am happy to know that 2 children and their families are supported now.

But what about locally? Our family has taken on an angel tree family this year. We are sponsoring their Christmas. I thought it would be a great thing to do with the kids. Anything I can do to help them understand how fortunate they are and how we can make a difference in someone else’s life with minimal effort.

The family we chose was Spanish speaking. A friend from work translated. I asked her to talk to the mom to get the sizes that all of the family members wear. There are 3 children, a mom and a dad. Also, if the family had needs -- what those were. And what the children were wanting for Christmas.

My friend spoke to the mom for 10 minutes. All the family wanted was warm clothes and coats.

I asked for verification. This can’t be it. I mean with 3 kids and they just want COATS?  My friend said that money was scarce -- but they can find food. Coats and clothes are harder to come by.

OMG. Melt my heart. I am someone who HATES being cold. I stop and buy fuzzy socks if the heater in the car isn’t keeping my toes warm enough. And these people just want coats & warm clothes.

Thru the beauty of bargain shopping, the family will be warm this winter. Coats at Walmart were $8 each. Blankets from Old Navy were $5. Clothes from Target, Walmart and Old Navy off sales racks in the right sizes (and low prices) have seem to just appear. Between Amazon deals and Toys R Us finds -- their kids will have toys.   There is no way we could do this paying full price. Bargain shopping for my family is fun, but bargain shopping knowing that the purchases will be appreciated and NEEDED -- is a whole new high.

This year, my kids will have a few less gifts under the tree. They’ll survive (and the playroom will be cleaner!). Hopefully they’ll come to understand the meaning of giving. This is the giving season (though i am hoping to make this into a year round habit).

What can you do to help? Here are a few simple ideas:

Trade As One:

Half of this world’s population, lives on $2 a day. What if our spending, could save a life? Fair trade transforms communities. Purchase Christmas gifts that can help others. (Plus, the gifts are really cool & totally unique -- prices are good as well!)

tradeasone.com

Give the Gift of Giving for the Holidays:

Did you know you can give 2 chickens to a family for $25? Better yet -- you can give in someone else’s name.
worldvisiongifts.org

Angel Tree -- Find a Child or Family In Your Area:

There are various Angel Tree programs thru-out the United States. Here is a resource that helps children of prisoners.
angeltree.org

Strapped for Cash? Donate Your Time:

Volunteermatch.com matches you with local non-profits. Donate a few hours and watch your life (and those you help) change.
volunteermatch.org

Participate in a Virtual Canned Food Drive:

Stay tuned! More info on this coming soon.

Hoping that this post inspires a few to consider picking up an extra toy that you find on clearance and donating to a child who now has a Christmas present because of you.

Seasons greetings and HAPPY BARGAINING 4 GOOD!

Bargain Mama