Fun and Frugal » Bless Others

Reminder: Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week Nov. 14-21, 2011

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:40:38 +0000

It’s time to drop off filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Join me in this simple, affordable, meaningful way to give to a needy child this Christmas. Pack a shoebox of goodies for Operation Christmas Child. National Drop-off Week is Nov. 14-21, 2011. Many area churches are accepting filled shoeboxes, including First Baptist Church Cleveland and also the J103 Christian radio station office in East Ridge. Life Care Centers of America in Cleveland is also a drop-off location. Click here to search for a drop off location in your area by zip code. Please remember to include a check for at least $8 per shoe box to cover the international shipping costs, payable to Samaritan’s Purse. Below are instructions on how to pack a shoebox:

How to Pack a Shoe Box
1. SHOE BOX-Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container or you can pick up a free shoebox from Life Care Centers of America in the maintenance building by the Campbell Center on Keith St in Cleveland. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. Click here to watch a video on how to pack a shoebox.
2. BOY OR GIRL?-Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork here. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
3. FILL WITH GIFTS-Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.
4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION-Please donate $8 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.
5. DROP OFF-Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week November 14-21, 2011.

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Click here for frequently asked questions. Thank you for impacting a child’s life with a simple shoe box.

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Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week Nov. 14-21, 2011

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:44:47 +0000

It’s almost time to drop off filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Join me in this simple, affordable, meaningful way to give to a needy child this Christmas. Pack a shoebox of goodies for Operation Christmas Child. National Drop-off Week is coming up – Nov. 14-21, 2011. Many area churches are accepting filled shoeboxes, including First Baptist Church Cleveland and also the J103 Christian radio station office in East Ridge. Life Care Centers of America in Cleveland is also a drop-off location. Click here to search for a drop off location in your area by zip code. Please remember to include a check for at least $8 per shoe box to cover the international shipping costs, payable to Samaritan’s Purse. Check out this post from Southern Savers on items you can purchase with coupons for $1 or less that would be great to go in shoeboxes. Below are instructions on how to pack a shoebox:

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

Click here for frequently asked questions. Thank you for impacting a child’s life with a simple shoe box.

Support FRESCHETTA’S PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK Program; Win a Giveaway and Other Prizes

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:36:42 +0000

I was selected to join the FRESCHETTA FRESH CONNECTION Team a few months ago and wanted to share some information with you since October is National Breast Cancer awareness month. FRESCHETTA has a PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK program and from 9.25.11 to 10.31.11 when you purchase specially-marked packages of FRESCHETTA pizzas and Artisian pizza crusts, you can help them reach their goal of a $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Specially-marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.ProudToSupportPink.com. For each code entered, FRESCHETTA will donate $1 to this center to support breast cancer research, up to $50,000. You can share and read stores of breast cancer journeys at ProudToSupportPink.com and also on the FRESCHETTA Facebook page. They are also giving away 50 pink iPod shuffle players each week in October on ProudToSupportPink.com. Additionally, 50 pink iPod Shuffle players will be donated each wek in October to four cancer centers around America.

Plus you can print a $1 coupon for any FRESCHETTA pizza (14 oz or more)!

Also, FRESCHETTA sent me the following prize pack and would like to send one to a Fun and Frugal reader, too:

a coupon for a free FRESCHETTA pizza 12 oz or larger
two pairs of FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK earphones (one to keep and one to give to a friend)

If you’d like to win the above prize pack, please leave a comment stating what you like about FRESCHETTA. Winner will be selected at random. Contest ends at 8 pm EST Wed. Oct 5. Please limit one entry per person. No email entries please. Winner will be notified by email and will have two business days to respond or an alternate winner will be selected, to keep contests fun and fair for all.

Winner of Horse Show Tickets

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:26:04 +0000

Congratulations, Jennifer, the winner of the four free horse show tickets courtesy of The Refuge Community Centre. I have emailed Jennifer to notify her she won.

If you do not win and would like to purchase tickets to this fund-raiser, tickets may be purchased at the gate at the Tri-State Exhibition Center for $5 for anyone ages 5 and up. Under 5 is free. The horse show is at 6 pm Thurs, Sep 8, and 7 pm on Fri & Sat, Sep 9-10, 2011. Visit www.therefugecommunity.org or The Refuge Community Centre’s facebook page for more information.

Food, drinks, and ice cream will be available there. They also have a flying pig contest–kids get a chance to get the pig closest to the circle and they win money. There is a 50/50 drawing where people by tickets and if their ticket is drawn they get half the money. Pigs and tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. There are also raffles and things going on there, too.

Quick Contest: Win 4 Free Tickets to Cleveland Horse Show for Sep 9 or 10, 2011; Please Read Contest Rules Thoroughly

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:35:08 +0000

The Refuge Community Centre, a nonprofit organization in Cleveland, is co-sponsoring a horse show September 7-10, 2011 and graciously provided four free tickets today be given away on Fun and Frugal. Please only enter the contest if you:

are able to use four tickets to one of the horse shows at the Tri-State Exhibition Center off Exit 20 in Cleveland, TN at 6 pm either Friday, Sep 9 or Saturday, Sep 10, 2011
check your email often – the winner will be notified by email around 9-10 pm EST Thursday night, Sep 8, 2011 and will need to reply by 8 am EST Friday, Sep 9, 2011 or an alternate winner will be selected
are able to pick up the tickets on Friday, September 9, 2011 between 9 am – noon EST at The Refuge Community Center’s office located in the old Blythe Ave School on Blythe Ave in Cleveland.

If you meet all of the criteria, please enter the contest by leaving a comment about horses. Limit one entry per person. Winner will be selected at random on our about 9-10 pm EST Thursday, Sep 8, 2011 and will be notified by email and will need to reply by 8 am EST Friday, Sep 9, 2011, or an alternate winner will be selected.

Give a Kid a Chance with School Supplies at North Cleveland Church of God’s Fundraiser

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:35:46 +0000

Thanks Michele, for emailing this info to me Tuesday. Sorry I was not able to get it posted until now. If you can help or if you need help, please check it out. Staples is running great school supply specials beginning every Sunday with items for 1 ¢, 25 ¢, and $1!

North Cleveland Church of God is sponsoring the “Give a Kid a Chance” program this Saturday July 16th, 2011 from 9am till 12pm. We are helping tornado victims and single parents get ready for back to school.

We are providing 500 FREE Bookpacks FULL of school supplies, new clothing, eye and dental exams, and much more.

YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND.

Register thru Thursday, July 14, 2011 by calling 476-5513 from 8:00am-4:30pm or come in person to register at North Cleveland Church of God, 335 11th St. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311. We are located next to Lee University.

Vote for Cleveland Dad, Matt Ryerson, to Win $30,000 Towards a Community Project in the Sears Blue Tools Crew Dads Making a Difference contest

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:29:16 +0000

Please take a moment to vote for local dad, Matt Ryerson, who was nominated to win $30,000 towards a community project from Sears. Read this story from The Cleveland Daily Banner that explains more about his nomination and the contest.

Matt has been selected as a finalist in the Sears Blue Tools Crew Dads Making a Difference contest to potentially win $30,000 for a project in Cleveland/Bradley County! You can vote once a day every day via facebook thru July 3, 2011 by:

going to facebook.com/searsbluetoolcrew
liking their page
clicking “allow”
then clicking on “DMD Contest” on the left under “Wall”
and lastly voting for Matt R.

Friday Freebies & Finds June 17, 2011

admin — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:44:37 +0000

Happy Freebie Friday! Here’s a few freebies and good deals I rounded up for you.

Reminder: every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day on SwagBucks.com! That means you have better odds of winning bigger denominations! SwagBucks.com is a Search Engine that randomly rewards you with digital dollars called Swag Bucks that you can spend on a variety of items in the Swag Store, including gift cards for itunes, Amazon.com, Target, Starbucks, and lots more! I’ve gotten a couple itunes gift cards as gifts for my hubby.

BABY/KIDS

Freebies4Mom has info on how to donate Huggies for free.
Get daily email alerts on deals up to 70-80% off for moms, babies, and kids from Zulily and Totsy

COUPONS

$2 off Renu sensitive multi-purpose contact solution
100 FREE black & white instant business cards from Staples thru 6.18.11. (Thanks, Southern Savers)
$5 in Kellogg’s coupons
Check out FunandFrugal.com/Coupons for lots of great grocery/household printable coupons!

FACEBOOK

Save $2 off Digiorno pizza & sides when you like their fb page. (Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom)
P&G is supposedly going to offer some limited free samples on their facebook page Friday morning, 6.17.11, per Freebies 4 Mom
Starting at noon EST every day thru Wed. 6.22.11, Mentos Up2U is giving away 1,000 free packs of gum on their fb page (Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom)

FOOD

Free breakfast for Dad at Ikea on Father’s Day. (Thanks, Baby Cheapskate.)
Free TCBY yogurt for Dads on Father’s Day at participating stores. (Thanks, Southern Savers.)

FITNESS/WELLNESS

First 7 days free of customized Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser Trainer) Program. Cost $4/week after that.

FREE SAMPLES

free trial pair of New Bausch & Lomb PureVision2 High Definition contact lenses
Request a free sample of Prisolec OTC.

PETS

Southern Savers has info on a $5 off $25 purchase coupon at Petsmart as well as a tip on how to get free Pawsafe cleaners.
Sign up for the Purina Puppy Chow Healthy Start Program and get a $2 coupon good towards any Purina® Puppy Chow® brand Puppy Food formula.

PRINTS

Get one free 8×10 photo collage from Walgreens with code 1FREEBIE by 6.18.11. Choose in-store pick-up and it will be completely free with no shipping costs.
Get another free 8×10 photo collage by signing up for Walgreens Mobile. Just text DAD to 21525 and Walgreens will send you another code to use. This was on their facebook page.

TRAVEL

Sign up for Dunhill Vacation E-newsletters on discounted travel offers. Save up to 70% off airfare, hotels, cruises, vacation packages, and more.
Request free travel brochures for various locations in the U.S. and Canada.

OTHER

Design your own custom premium t-shirt for only $2 from Vistaprint. Shipping starts at $4.41. Offer ends 6.24.11!
Buy 5 quarts G-oil at Wal-Mart, get 5 quarts free with rebate. (Thanks, Money Saving Mom)
Have you signed up for Groupon and Living Social? If not, you’re missing some great local daily deals! Restaurants, movies, retail, massages, salons, photography, and tons more at 50% off or more!
Ladies, join Vocal Point and receive exclusive Proctor and Gamble coupons, samples, newsletters and discounts. I’ve gotten free cereal, shampoo, razors, and lots more.

Tornado Relief Volunteers Needed Tues May 24 at the Cleveland/Bradley County Distribution Center

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:50:23 +0000

Thanks, Monica for passing along this email from the Cleveland/Bradley County EMA Community Coordinator, Rochelle Mayberry -

We are in desperate need of some help at the Cleveland/Bradley County Distribution Center!

We are putting out an “all call” to those who want to volunteer and asking them to come out and help this coming TUESDAY evening (5/24) from 6-9pm!

We have hundreds of boxes/bags of used clothing to sort, offices to finish setting up, furniture to organize, and spaces to clean! We need you and people who are in your sphere of influence to help get the job done so that this facility can more efficiently serve our neighbors in need! This will also be a great night to find out about ways that you and local groups can partner with the volunteer effort this summer!

Here is the basic information:

Volunteer Night!
When? Tuesday (5/24), 6-9pm
Where?* Cleveland/Bradley County Distribution Center
2960 Barney’s Lane, Cleveland, TN 37323

- From 20th Street: Go across railroad tracks, turn right onto Barney’s Ln., then turn into the first warehouse parking lot on the right.

- From Michigan Avenue: Turn onto 20th Street, turn left onto Barney’s Ln., then turn into the first warehouse parking lot on the right.
Who? Anyone who wants to help!
What? Sorting, organizing, and cleaning the warehouse on Barney’s Lane that is now serving as a main distribution center and volunteer hub for summer relief efforts!
Questions? Please email Rochelle Mayberry (rmayberry {at} leeuniversity {dot} edu) or Monica Luithle, the Distribution Manager (monilynlu {at} gmail {dot} com).

* Parking at this facility may be limited. If you are planning to bring a group, please carpool!

If you are maintaining social media pages or accounts related to the recovery efforts, please publicize! Also, feel free to forward this information to other local agencies, organizations, and churches! As always, don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Rochelle Mayberry
Community Coordinator
Cleveland/Bradley County EMA

Winner of $50 AmEx Gift Card from Pampers to Pay-It-Foward

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:53:30 +0000

Thank you to everyone who entered the $50 Pay-It-Forward contest from Pampers. I wish I had enough gift cards to give one to everyone who entered. The winner of the contest was Jessica, who wrote, “I recently heard from a church friend that one of our members suffers from cancer. She is a single mom with one toddler and a 7 yr old. I’d like to give her, hopefully with coupons help to stretch $50, several gift baskets with all necessities and groceries. Thank you for giving the chance to help someone in need of our community.” I notified Jessica by email that she won and she replied within the deadline. Thank you, Jessica, for helping pay it forward!