Happy Friday: Giving Back This Season

By Bryn | Operations Manager

Dec 16, 2016 @ 5:00 PM MST

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happy-friday-gift-baskets

Sent from reader, Kristen:

I’ve been stocking up on bath and body products to put together baskets to donate to a local women’s shelter. Instead of purchasing actual baskets, I bought pretty snowflake wrapping paper and wrapped plain cardboard boxes. I shredded my own white paper for the “snow” inside, too! I printed tags with the quote: “We are like a snowflake all different in our own beautiful way” and glued them onto foam snowflakes from the dollar store. It makes me so happy to be able to help those in need, especially this time of year!

Sent from reader, Megan:

I wanted to pass along a story of saving and giving! Me and two of my neighbors all had our second babies this year, so needless to say money has been tighter! We always enjoy giving either to an organization of some sort but we weren’t sure how to do it this year. I saw on a car onlinemercial (of all things!) a child selling hot chocolate and thought “our kids could totally do that!” My parents donated our cooking supplies. We have a Nextdoor app for our neighborhood and we posted two days before and sold homemade hot chocolate and cookies and made $145 in two hours!

Today we went to Target and with Cartwheel, coupons, and multiple transactions, we were able to buy multiple toys to donate. So grateful for kind neighbors, so thankful to teach our kids about giving, and so very thankful for your app and your team to help us save money year round!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Do you have a funny, “Hip”, or unique photo to share?! Email us at [email protected]. Every Friday, we post one photo, submitted by a Hip2Save reader, that gives us a glimpse into their frugal lifestyle or simply makes us smile. If your photo is published on Hip2Save, we’ll email you a $10 Amazon e-card!

Join The Discussion

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Boysmom December 16, 2016 at 5:10 pm MST

All such great ideas!!! You are such great examples to your children!! May you all have a very blessed Christmas!!

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Sarah December 16, 2016 at 5:11 pm MST

Wow! AMAZING! Inspirational stories, and such beautiful ways to give and love others! Xoxo!

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Vicki S. December 16, 2016 at 5:16 pm MST

I love these stories of giving back even more than the savings. Our bible talk were able to donate to a woman’s shelter too but I’m hoping now that I’m learning to coupon, we’ll be able to do it all year long. Thank you for sharing savings for our family and blessings we can share with others.

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JULIE December 16, 2016 at 5:21 pm MST

Great stories, thanks for sharing!

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Lauri P December 16, 2016 at 5:28 pm MST

Love these stories! Warms my heart❤️❤️❤️

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Tonya December 16, 2016 at 5:36 pm MST

Love it!!

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Nicole December 16, 2016 at 5:39 pm MST

Wonderful to hear these stories of giving! Thanks for using your saving abilities to bless others and teaching your children to be generous! Merry Christmas and God Bless!

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Denise W. December 16, 2016 at 5:41 pm MST

Such caring hearts out there! Our family sponsors a “Tree Angel” through the Salvation Army every year. We all go together to purchase toys and clothes on the child’s wish list plus more surprise goodies as well. I also continue to carry out a random act of kindness every month. Last week I was in line at Chick Fil A and paid the bill for the person behind me with a message from the cashier to do something nice for someone else before the end of the month. Even if it’s not a person “in need” a treat out of the blue is always a surprise and lightens any stress that person may be feeling that day. It’s nice to know there are so many kind folks doing such great deeds for others.

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Angie December 16, 2016 at 6:33 pm MST

Denise,
I have a question: I have always wanted to pay for someone else but how do you know how much to pay since that person has not ordered? I have heard people at Starbucks doing this, too, but I can’t wrap my head around how it would work. I can see in a sit down restaurant but how at a fast food one? Also, not to belabor it, but how do you write the message or tell the cashier without the person hearing or seeing you? Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

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Amyri December 16, 2016 at 7:01 pm MST

I’m not sure, but she was probably in the drive-thru. So she paid for the order of the people in the car behind her. Then maybe you could write a quick note and hand it to the cashier.
It’s a great idea!

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Ailine December 16, 2016 at 7:17 pm MST

Angie, the way I do it is going through the drive-thru! When you see someone behind you you wait a little bit until there order is onlinepleted. Than go to the window pay your own food/drink and ask the cashier to pay for the car behind you. I usually take my time at first and rush off whenever both transactions are done that they can’t get my license plate. Want it to be a real surprise … I know sounds weird but I rather have them wonder than disclosing who I am. Hope this help. Merry Christmas!!!

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Angie December 16, 2016 at 9:48 pm MST

Thank you for your helpful replies! I think I need to go to drive thrus more frequently since I always thought of doing it inside. Thanks again! 😄

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Marcy December 16, 2016 at 5:48 pm MST

I love both these wonderful stories!! That’s what Christmas is all about “giving and spreading joy!!” May god bless both your families! Thank you to Collin and her team!!! Their service to ensure we get great deals helps so many people and families!!!

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Shell0216 🌲 December 16, 2016 at 6:01 pm MST

Awhh. Heart touching stories. I recently miscarried and awaiting unexpected bills however I want to do something like this. I always taught my kids to give what you have from the heart. Thanks for sharing Merry Christmas and God Bless everyone !!

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Katie December 16, 2016 at 6:23 pm MST

I’m so so sorry for your loss. Praying you receive peace and onlinefort this Christmas.

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katttro December 17, 2016 at 8:08 am MST

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and joy in your heart this holiday season.

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Laura December 16, 2016 at 6:06 pm MST

Love these stories. I love a great deal, but it’s even sweeter when it allows me to help those less fortunate. I already have 10 toys and pajamas for next year’s angel trees. I honestly couldn’t give half as much if it weren’t for the help of Collin and team.

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Katie December 16, 2016 at 6:08 pm MST

What an AMAZING idea!! Our neighborhood has that app too and wow! All my wheels are turning right now… you’ve inspired me really do this with MY kids!!

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ish December 16, 2016 at 6:12 pm MST

My neighbors hate me and i hate them

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Meredith December 16, 2016 at 6:29 pm MST

This made me chuckle but believe me I totally understand

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Out shopping December 16, 2016 at 6:53 pm MST

Too funny… sometimes it’s true 😂My neighbors moved now I only have some grumpy looking new ones that are not friendly. I still want to give them something though. Thanks for the laugh.

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justme December 17, 2016 at 10:18 am MST

you made me laugh so hard but I’m glad not to be the only one. I’ve tried to be nice to both of my neighbors and even took them something when they both moved in. have great neighbors up and down the street but on each side they are both pills ha!

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Susan December 16, 2016 at 6:13 pm MST

Beautiful stories, this is what Christmas is all about. Peace on Earth and Good Will.

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Jennifer December 16, 2016 at 6:14 pm MST

At my work, we sponsored a nursing home. Too often those folks are forgotten. We got enough items to provide all 90 residents a throw, socks, shampoo, soap, jewelry, hats and even more. Please remember your nursing home residents who may not have any family! I wish I could see their faces when they get them!!

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Laura December 16, 2016 at 6:28 pm MST

Love that idea.

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Michelle December 16, 2016 at 6:33 pm MST

So so awesome. 🙂

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Sue December 16, 2016 at 6:36 pm MST

We have a restaurant close by who does a tree for the elderly. It is sad to read the tags and know, like you said, some have no family. We did pull a tag off and help even though things are tough in our own home, we can always scrimp and cut our own food budget to help here and there.

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Sara December 16, 2016 at 9:13 pm MST

We adopted a senior citizen this year for the first time. It was humbling to read the items they requested (food, incontinence supplies, hygiene items). I’d never thought about seniors being in need at Christmas but it is going to be a new tradition for our family.

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Suzanne H December 19, 2016 at 12:53 pm MST

My onlinepany adopted some local children through a neighbors helping neighbors program this year. We’ve adopted whole families in the past. I really like the idea of changing it up next year and helping some senior citizens in our onlinemunity. Thanks for the idea!

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Heather December 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm MST

As a survivor of domestic violence who had to flee with my children with just the clothes on our backs it was the kindness of strangers like yourself that helped us during these very difficult times. We were recipients of similar baskets, and many other donations that helped us tremendously. When you help take the barriers away to leaving, a victim can truly take it to that next step. Thank you for being hope and light.

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Angie December 16, 2016 at 6:35 pm MST

Heather, you are the hero. You got your kids out. I wish my mother had been strong enough to do the same. I used to beg her. Your kids are so lucky to have you, which I am sure you know!

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Anne December 16, 2016 at 7:51 pm MST

Heather – Good for you for leaving. Your story has inspired me to look for a shelter or organization around me. 💗

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Diana December 16, 2016 at 6:45 pm MST

Wow! Beautiful 😊💗

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Edy December 16, 2016 at 6:59 pm MST

Love this stories! I have been doing this giving to a center for handicapped children blankets, stuff that their parents can use, and been able to help my brothers , and friends that are going through rough times, I’m the mother of a especial needs young lady, and a caregiver for a 92 yr old man , this man has been a blessing to me and he has paid for customers when I take him to eat, and since his a war veteran, servers onlinee to him and tell him someone paid for his meal, and he gets a happy face ! Thank you Collin and team for everything, made to Macy’s , I have a tear on my knee but, so grateful to be able to do my things and still work ! I be taking a few days off finally in 8 yrs only because I’m having surgery

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Dara December 17, 2016 at 6:30 am MST

Blessings to you Edy, and good luck with your surgery!

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Casey December 16, 2016 at 7:40 pm MST

What beautiful souls!!

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Cherry luva December 16, 2016 at 8:17 pm MST

Beautiful! God bless each and everyone of you. Such amazing kind souls

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april December 16, 2016 at 8:41 pm MST

I love this. We had a pretty tough last half of the year because of medical problems and unexpected house expenses, but I am going to build up a stash for the next year & donate gift baskets next Christmas. Thank you for the inspiration. ❤

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Thia December 16, 2016 at 8:42 pm MST

At Macy’s they have the Salvation Army out ringing the bell, I give them a Macy’s gift card for lunch & a hot drink and put the same amount in the red bucket.
At the beginning of the season I take out cash and stuff my son’s wallet with $1 bills so every time he sees Salvation Army he knows what to do.

Blessed are those who give freely.

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Vivian December 16, 2016 at 8:50 pm MST

Such great stories!!!

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Kathy December 16, 2016 at 9:28 pm MST

I am saddened today. Our church asked us to bring new toys sunday. Said the salvation army is short 8000 toys in our area and has reached out to our church. I am gonna raid my toy supply and do some shopping.

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Patty December 17, 2016 at 1:50 am MST

Because of Collins site, and the generosity of friends and co-workers, I am able to provide a wonderful Santa party for the people at the facility where my daughter lives.
My husband has played Santa there for the past 10 years and we have grown the party every year.
The look of pure joy on these special peoples faces is all the Christmas I need.
Thanks to Collin and everyone on this site for your help making Christmas wishes onlinee true.

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Deb December 17, 2016 at 5:53 am MST

Our local alternative high school collects health and beauty items in November. They assemble care bags for the homeless and also disadvantaged high schoolers in our onlinemunity. They have been doing this for 14 years. That’s where lots of my freebies and deals go.

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Cleo December 17, 2016 at 6:26 am MST

Thanks for taking the time to post these beautiful stories. I am grateful for each of you.

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Heather F December 17, 2016 at 7:32 am MST

These stories and onlinements are beautiful and inspirational! Love it!

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katttro December 17, 2016 at 8:20 am MST

There is a local church that collects donations for refugees from various countries escaping persecution and war. Me and my daughter will make some gift donations for them today.

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nancyr December 17, 2016 at 9:47 pm MST

One onlinemon thread as I read the onlinements is love and onlinepassion. My wish for each of you is that you enjoy a peaceful and blessed holiday season. You are such beautiful people.

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