How To Help Japan
When Zachie and MacLean heard about the earthquake/tsunami/radiation disaster in Japan, both of my little guys pulled out their piggy banks and asked where we were sending a donation. These kids make me cry. This heartbreaking series of disasters hits even harder for our family, because our beautiful new daughter Zoe is of Japanese descent. It’s very hard to picture her extended family suffering.
Unfortunately, with every new hardship comes a new group of moral scorpions who will happily take your well-intentioned money in a scam. Here’s some guidelines we follow after 20 years of fundraising on our radio show:
~Pick a group that is well-organized and already has a team on-site and ready to go–groups like the Red Cross or Salvation Army already have an infrastructure that’s sending supplies and professionals to every corner of the island. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00, or text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to donate $10.00 to the Salvation Army.
~There are some creative ways to help, here’s a few that are legitimate:
- AViiQ: Every “Like” on the Facebook page for AviiQ (they make laptop stands and iPad case stands) means a $1 donation to the American Red Cross. This is a nice free way to give.
- Groupon: Donate $5, $10 or $25 to support International Medical Corps’ emergency relief efforts in Japan.
- iTunes: Give $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or $200 to the American Red Cross to help earthquake and tsunami victims directly through iTunes. Also, through 3/20, Sega will donate 100% of proceeds from sales of the game Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1($3.99 per download) through iTunes to disaster relief efforts.
- Lady Gaga: For $5 you can buy a Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.
- LivingSocial: Give $5 and LivingSocial will make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.
- Voskos Greek Yogurt: Click “Like” on this Facebook status update and Voskos will donate $1 for every “Like” they receive through 3/22.
~Finally, never underestimate the power of love. I always hesitate to bring prayer into a discussion because I know every one’s way of worship is very personal. But however you send positive energy–through prayer, meditation, service–please send it to Japan. The force of all our love and strength will surely be felt.
Resolution: Building Empathy & Charity
I’ve sponsored girls through The Child Fund (formerly Christian Children Foundation) for the last 20 years. I started in college because I’d learned about how little girls in so many countries were sold into slavery as a financial opportunity for their families and their villages. When I married The Todd and let him read the letters from “my girls,” he insisted we sponsor more. I’m proud to say that little ones from India, Pakistan and Africa have gone through the program and graduated from school, learned trades and supported their families while breaking the vicious cycle of slavery and female subjugation. (Editor’s note: sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox now.) I picked Child Fund because of it’s glowing ratings for spending money on children and programs, NOT on administration and overhead. Maybe this is a good time to have your family all contribute to support a child in another country–it’s only $19.00 a month. Zach and MacLean have been petitioning to “adopt” a boy–I guess that’s next. Click here for more information and to find a country that matters to you. It’s one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done.
Save 75% With Pure Citizen
Remember when I introduced us all to Pure Citizen? It’s one of the 50-90% off bargain sites, but with a twist–everything they offer is organic, fair trade and enviornmentally sustainable goods. It’s a beautiful way to redeem your Karma as well as buy something unique and lovely. Their entire site is up to 75% off today with goods from all of the companies they’ve spotlighted thus far. For instance:
Fair trade market bag in pink: 50% off at $12.00
Fair Trade laptop bag in green: 50% off at $16.00
Fair Trade textured silk scarf in various colors: 50% off at $36.00
Turquoise earrings by World Shoppe: 65% off at $20.00
Anyway, there’s everything from jewelry to clothes to essential oils to furniture…check it out here.
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Looking For A Holiday Project?
My family really excelled at completely screwing up Holiday Projects–we’d pick a family, try to be sneaky dropping off the presents and always end up falling into the bushes, getting tangled up in the gate, etc. Then, the mortifying porch light and the perplexed faces. So, we’re not sneaky! Sue us! But there’s nothing like the look on a Mom’s face when she realizes her little ones get to believe in Santa again. This year, B98.7 is teaming up with the Utah Youth Village to sponsor children who are Wards of the State–these are the little people removed from their homes because of truly horrifying abuse or neglect. This may be their first Christmas gift they’ve ever received. We still have 25 kids who haven’t been sponsored, and I really, REALLY want to have them all taken care of. Would you consider taking a look at the list and see if a child there could be your family project this year? Or maybe pass the idea around at church, or with your friends? These children are clean spirits struggling to recover from cruelties they never deserved. I want so much for them all to know they are loved and deserve the same joys as every other child.
The Todd and I asked for their most obnoxious, unlovable teenager. I love the hard cases. Every child deserves to still believe in Santa. 
Click To Give
When you click through, sponsor clients donate to the charity–100% of the proceeds are donated. It costs you nothing but a moment of your time. I click every day, I NEED the good karma!
Click To Give–Help End Homelessness With The Power Of Your Mouse!
I love the program “Click To Give,” because it’s such a simple way to help others. The premise is this: click on the box, and the the number of clicks determine how much a client sponsor will donate to the cause. 100% of the money goes directly to the charity, and it costs you nothing but the 30 seconds it takes to click through. I do it every day, because believe me, I can use all the good points in Heaven that I can get…
Halloween Costumes For A Good Cause!
If you have a little one (size 2T-4T) and you’re starting to think about their Halloween costume, you may want to check out what’s available on the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital website. 100% of profits go toward research and treatment of children with cancer and other illnesses. These are going quickly, but you can find a cute Pumpkin costume in 2T, 3T and 4T for $5.
You can also get Trick or Treat Bags for $5, Halloween Infant Onesies (6-12 mos) for $1 each, Halloween Candy Bowls for $3 and Halloween Youth Shirts for $3.
Thanks, Coupon Cravings!
Free-Bee Flowers For Someone You Adore…
The 16th Annual FTD® Good Neighbor Day® is tomorrow -Wednesday, September 1, 2010. FTD is celebrating its 16th annual FTD Good Neighbor Day event on September 1, 2010. This year is extra-special as they are also celebrating their 100th Anniversary of FTD this year.
The concept of the holiday is simple: florists give away a bouquet of flowers to people in their community encouraging each recipient to keep one for them and hand the others away to make new friends and share kindness to strangers.
Not all locations are participating, GO HERE to find one near you
Thanks, Mojo Savings!
The Backpack Project
Zachie and MacLean have been looking for a summer service project–we try to do one big thing a quarter that they’ve picked so that they’re invested in the outcome. The twins decided to do the “Backpack Project” to put together toiletries and school supplies for kids at the School With No Name. This amazing little place is operated by dedicated teachers at the Road Home, our local homeless shelter for families. When kids are local, every effort is made to keep them in their regular schools, but sometimes that’s not possible. The School With No Name keeps these sweet kiddos up with their grade, but there’s not much money for extras. Every kid deserves a new backpack and school supplies!
If you’ve got a Smith’s nearby, they’ve got an amazing sale right now on toiletries and school supplies. I stepped out of my comfort zone and asked for a discount to buy 10 backpacks for charity. The nice manager immediately gave me 20% off everything! I know that Walmart and Target are offering great deals right now, too. We saved our money this summer and budgeted to spend $11.00 per backpack. The total bill was actually $73.24, so we kept under budget!
We bought basics like toothpaste, toothbrushes, bandaids, shampoo, baby wipes and DEODORANT. (When you can’t take a shower anytime you like, hygiene is a challenge.) The twins packed all the backpacks, and added a note to say “hi” to their new friends, wishing them a happy school year. I’m so excited to take the boys down to the school with their gifts–but not as thrilled as they are! See why I’m crazy about my boys? 
For more information about The School With No Name, click here. To help kids in need in your city, click here.
Click To Give–It Costs You Nothing But A Moment Of Your Time…
Win A $10,000.00 Prize Package For Your Favorite Charity!
With the suckiest economy in 85 years, I’m not telling you anything that news, but everyone’s favorite charity is struggling. There’s an amazing company–WIworks Inc– who’s willing to devote $10,000.00 in skills to create a new website, or promote the living bejeebers out of a non-profit you care about. At the end of May, they’ll award the $10,000.00 prize. Be the hero and nominate your favorite non-profit and then harrass all of your friends into voting for it. I know one of the rock stars who’s running this, and your favorite charity will be set up.
Click here to nominate your favorite charity. Good luck!
Your Free-Bee Shot At Disneyland Is Nearly Over…
The “Jamitors” and my beloved girlie Lisa showed up in the studio this morning as part of Disney’s national tour to promote volunteerism….and with a warning. Disneyland and Disney World are offering a free-bee day at the park in exchange for a day of service in your community. There’s everything from helping at a Foodbank to walking doggies at the local Humane Society. Here’s the warning part: they’ve nearly given out all of the one million park passes they’ve promised. If you want to sign up your family for this offer, you need to do it TODAY. Seriously. Want you to have fun. I care about you. Go here for info and get started!
Click To Give
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Help For Haiti
I’ve been absolutely thrilled and touched with the outpouring of response from my fellow budget bloggers regarding the crisis in Haiti–so many of these women have come up with creative and hopeful ways to offer financial and spiritual support. Most seem to follow along the lines of donating for each comment they receive. I will tell you that The Todd and I have already donated to the Red Cross. If you missed my earlier post, you can simply text “Haiti” to 90999…you will receive a text back asking you to approve the charges…$10.00 will be sent to the State Department’s designated charity, the Red Cross. You can also donate at www.redcross.org.
Our experiences in radio and working with disaster relief experts has taught us some important lessons, I’m hoping you might find them helpful, too.
1. The days for canned food drives are over. The disaster relief groups already on the ground can spend your donation and get triple the value in food, medicine, cleaning supplies, etc. because of their connections. Any food or clothing donations cost more to ship than they’re worth.
2. Don’t under-estimate the power of prayer. Or…lighting a candle…or meditating…or song…whatever you do to offer spiritual hope and comfort to those suffering.
3. Learn about what you can do after the immediate crisis. FEMA executives have told us that the real hope for places like these come after the crisis is past. Those who developed an interest, read about the region, learned about local charities–these are the people who make the difference in long-term recovery.
The Todd and I are fortunate to know the Aitkens, an amazing family from Utah who built an orphanage in Haiti and are awaiting word of the three beautiful little ones they’re adopting from there. They were nearly finished with the paperwork and were going to bring them home in March. Can you imagine? So, our passion will be the long-term recovery of Hope For Little Angels of Haiti. In a couple of months we’ll be holding a fundraiser to rebuild the orphanage and we’ll be going over with the Aikens to work on helping in the recovery of a beautiful culture. I hope that you will find a project there that inspires your passion as well. I’ll pass along information about Hope For Little Angels of Haiti as we begin our work–maybe you’d like to be involved!
Love and gratitude to everyone who’s opening their hearts this week!
Help For Those In Haiti
We’ve all been heartsick as we watched the video stream of despair and destruction come post-earthquake from Haiti yesterday. Everyone wants to help–but after we spoke to the Director of International Relief from the Red Cross today, he emphasised that financial donations are the most useful thing. There’s already several fraudulent “charity” appeals running. The one text option that I can clarify as legitimate is the State Department’s appeal to text “Haiti” to 90999. This will bill $10.00 to your account, you will be texted back to ask if you agree, and the money will go directly to the Red Cross relief efforts. You can also donate online at www.redcross.org I’ll be lighting a candle for these amazing and courageous people tonight…we hope you’ll send love and good wishes in whatever way you choose.
It costs you nothing but a couple of minutes to click…
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Now, we need to ask for YOUR help…
I’ve never seen a more generous group of people than the Budget Girlies. You’re the ones making up the gift baskets for the shelters, finding out who needs you in your neighborhood. To you, I say, bravo.
Here along the Wasatch Front, donations to the Salvation Army have dropped like a rock–30% at last count. Conversely, pleas for assistance have jumped 35% this year. The Salvation Army prides itself on being the last place to land when little families slip through the cracks.
Tuesday morning (12.22) we’ll be hosting “The Red Kettle Challenge” from 5am to 9am, doing our morning radio show live to raise $10,000.00 in financial and material donations for the Salvation Army’s family shelters. If you can stop by, we’ll be at the Maverick on 600 South and 200 West in Salt Lake City–you can drop off cash, swipe a debit or credit card, or donate warm coats, boots, gloves, underwear, hygiene items and TOYS in clean and good condition for these sweet families. (Editor’s note: it goes without saying that diapers, sizes 4, 5, and 6 are always desperately needed.)
If you’re out of the area or can’t make it down, you can donate to the Online Red Kettle here. There’s so many people working 3 or 4 jobs, struggling silently who would never dream of asking for help. The Salvation Army will make sure they’re not forgotten. Thank you!
More Free-Bee Samples For Your Holiday Gift Baskets
Ever since the Evil Genius that is One Cheap Chick mentioned to me that she’s been using all her free-bee samples for hygeine baskets for the local shelters, I’ve been signing up for everything to do the same. Cool Samples is a great one for this, and there’s coupons and recipes, too! You can sign up here. $
25% off at Pei Wei Diner Tuesday!
Well, this is sweet:
Pei Wei Exchange:
On Wednesday, December 2, bring in a non-perishable food item and Pei Wei Asian Diner will offer 25% off any entrée. All donated food products will be given to a local food bank.
Pei Wei Meal Donation:
During the month of December, Pei Wei Asian Diners across the country will cook a special meal for non-profit organizations, helping to support their local communities during the holiday season. The participating organizations include: The Boys and Girls Club of America, YMCA, and neighborhood soup kitchens and food banks. For more information please visit www.peiwei.com.
Sneaky inside tip: Forget the off-brand veggies, Food Banks crave peanut butter, tuna and chili. You can never go wrong with peanut butter, eh?
Lunchables for your little one–and another kiddo in need!
Go here and click on the Lunchables link. This is such a sweet concept: you’ll submit your address and a promise to write a note for your kiddo’s lunch sack. In return, Lunchables will donate a lunch to a child in need, plus you’ll be able to print a coupon for $1/1 Lunchables.
(Editor’s note: I hope you don’t mind my bragging, but you’ll see from the post below that The Todd has been doing this for the twins all year! I love this man…)
More deals from Old Navy!
I’m heading to Old Navy today for the $15.00 frost-free jackets for kids–our two family shelters here in Salt Lake City filled up distressingly early this year. Coats and underwear are always desperately needed. Sneaky inside tip: the single most desired item at any shelter with little ones? Diapers, sized 4, 5,and 6. Think about it–how would you be able to potty train your toddler when you don’t have any easy access to a bathroom?
Say “Thank You” to our Military
How sweet is this? I used to work in Norfolk, Virginia during the first Gulf conflict, and I developed a huge love and respect for the military families. I cannot tell you what sacrifices these amazing people make for the rest of us. Would you like to show the love?
Xerox put together a free program to tell the troops overseas what they mean to us… ”Let’s Say Thanks” is an easy way to send a “thank you” card to a serviceperson. Sneaky inside tip: be sure to add your name, hometown and a personal note. Don’t worry about being eloquent, sincere is more than good enough!
Click here to send your Thank You Card – It’s FREE
Click To Feed The Hungry…
…while you’re trolling the the budget sites today, will you take a minute to click here? The sponsoring advertisers pay for every click and 100% of the money goes to hunger relief programs. Appropriate for today, don’t you think? You don’t have to buy anything! Just click…
Click To Give
Click To Give
I told you about Click To Give yesterday–they have 5 different charities to pick from, I’m going to profile one a day until you find the one that means the most to you. Simply put: you click on the site–you do not have to buy anything–and the advertising sponsor contributes money to your chosen cause. 100% of the sponsor’s money goes to the charity, which I love. This goes with my personal “give every day” mantra. It doesn’t have to be money to mean something…
Click to Give
I told you about Click To Give yesterday–they have 5 different charities to pick from, I’m going to profile one a day until you find the one that means the most to you. Simply put: you click on the site–you do not have to buy anything–and the advertising sponsor contributes money to your chosen cause. 100% of the sponsor’s money goes to the charity, which I love. This goes with my personal “give every day” mantra. It doesn’t have to be money to mean something…
Click To Give
I told you about Click To Give yesterday–they have 5 different charities to pick from, I’m going to profile one a day until you find the one that means the most to you. Simply put: you click on the site–you do not have to buy anything–and the advertising sponsor contributes money to your chosen cause. 100% of the sponsor’s money goes to the charity, which I love. This goes with my personal “give every day” mantra. It doesn’t have to be money to mean something…
Click To Give…
…I’ve been researching some simple ways to help others this season that don’t require money–I know we all want to, sometimes it’s just being sent in the right direction. Click to Give gives money to the cause of your choice by simply clicking on them once a day. You can select from animal abuse, homeless support, cancer research, and child abuse. Here’s how it works: the advertiser/sponsor counts the clicks and donates a set amount per click per charity. The cool thing is 100% of the sponsor’s money goes to the charity! You don’t have buy anything…just click. Click! Click often!
Activist Mom Alert!
Moms, we can’t wait any longer. In 1980, one out of every 10,000 children would be diagnosed with autism. Today, it is one out of 93. This is from my dear friend Amy…she and her husband are battling to help their two sons diagnosed with autism. Like thousands of other parents.
Hi Todd & Erin! I wanted to let you know about a fundraising event for Autism Speaks that ends TODAY! Every donation that is raised by 3pm today will be MATCHED and DOUBLED by Kraft! If you would please let everyone know to jump on my website and…make a donation of any size, we’d really appreciate it! This week a new report came out that said that the numbers for Autism diagnosis has increased from 1/150 to 1/91! 1 in every 58 boys will be diagnosed with Autism this year! Please help us raise awareness and funds! Thanks guys you’re the BEST!
Amy Baker http://ourpurpose.webs.com/donate.htmRead More
Our Boys, Our Purpose. – DONATE!
Free-Bee Knitting E Book!
Some of my girlies and I have gotten into a knitting circle, where we hang out, gossip shamelessly and knit caps for our local pediatric hospital. I haven’t knitted since learning in the Young Ladies Club at 14, and I remember spending more time gossiping shamelessly then, too. There’s a great new E Book out with all kinds of simple patterns, and it’s FREE! 24 Quick and Easy Knitting Patterns including Cables and Blocks Afghan (Page 6), sock monkeys for kids (Page 45), mop covers (Page 53), bath spa mitts (Page 68) and much more. Create your own household items or make as gifts for a friend, co-worker or family member. These knitting patterns make for some great wedding or shower gifts as well.
http://partners.mysavings.com/z/3581/CD1816/
Activist Mom Alert!
There’s some really encouraging developments in the battle against domestic violence–every one of us knows someone who has been in this situation. There’s help for women getting their lives back together, pass this on to someone you love…
Amy’s Courage Fund: Emergency financial assistance to escape the situation, grants of up to $2,000: www.nnedv.org/projects
Education and Job Training Assistance Fund: These are grants from the Allstate Foundation to help women enter and stay in the workforce. Grants of up to $1,000.00 can be used for training, computers, and other resources: www.nnedv.org/projects
Face to Face: Free plastic and reconstructive surgery to victims of domestic violence: 1.800.842.4546
Give Back A Smile: Front teeth damaged by an abusive partner or spouse are repaired pro bono: 1.800.773.4227
Make a donation and the ice cream has NO calories…
On Thursday, 9/24, from 5 – 8pm… Cold Stone Creamery will be offering Free 3 oz. Ice Cream Creations with a Make-A-Wish Donation. It’s a nice way to explain what donations mean to our Zachie and MacLean–they’re definitely willing to pay closer attention when there’s ice cream involved! http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promos/makeawish/
The “O” Bracelet
If you pick up “Oprah” Magazine (free six month subscription, just enter Oprah into the search button here on the site!) you’ll see an incredible story this month about the women of Rwanda who survived their (latest) brutal and bloody civil war. These amazing women handcrafted the ornamental discs that will be made into beautiful bracelets by the women who survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Kind of a lovely circle, isn’t it? They’re a little spendy, but I just ordered the black and white one. What you put on your wrist will help women here…and across the world. http://www.macys.com/search/index.ognc?SearchTarget=*&Keyword=obracelet
Lunchables for TWO hungry kids!
Click HERE to promise to put a note in your child’s lunchbox and they’ll give you a printable coupon for $1/1 on Lunchables. Sneaky inside tip: they’ll also give a free meal to a child who needs it. (Click on “Make a Promise” and it will take you to the coupon.) 
Today’s Free Offer
Valentine's Crafts For Kids--easy make at home fun to keep them out of your hair.
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50% Off Valentine’s Bouquets & Gifts
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Ready To Coupon?
"Extreme Couponing" on TLC has done one thing for all us would-be frugalistas--while no one I know wants to be quite that crazed, couponing is looking more attractive, am I right? Here's your coupon options in a tidy, almost shamefully easy format:
Cellfire loads coupons directly to your card. Scan that bad boy at checkout--no clipping!
Coupons.com, hands-down my favorite for ease of navigation and big fat coupons. You'll need to download a toolbar to print. Do not fear the toolbar, it will bring you many goodies.
Coupon Deals Daily.com offers 50-90% off items locally available. Worth checking often, since nothing lasts for long.
So, "catalinas" are the slips of paper-style coupons you get at checkout along with your reciept to use for next time. Print them on Coupon Network.com, and use them THIS trip. Clever you!
No insurance? Or does your lousy coverage refuse to pay for certain medications? Enter the Pharmacy Coupons--this network allows you to print coupons for up to 75% off your prescription costs. In the economy? A literal lifesaver.
Red Plum Coupons cover a huge variety--everything from grocery to your local tire store. Take a look around by clicking below.
Do you have estrogen? Then you will love Woman Freebies.com. They send free girly samplys and piles of high-value coupons. No catch!
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