Donate Your Used/Unwanted Crayons: The Crayon Initiative

I know boxes of crayons is on every back-to-school list. But what do you do with the semi-used and broken crayons from the year(s) before? Donate them to the Crayon Initiative!

Bring your unwanted crayons to any AC Moore store between June 24 and August 4, 2018. For every pound of crayons donated, AC Moore will donate $1.00 (up to $40,000) to the Crayon Initiative.

What is the Crayon Initiative you might ask? TCI melts down unwanted crayons to create brand new 8-packs of crayons. These packs are then donated to children's hospitals across the country. The new crayons are specially designed to be larger and have a flat edge to prevent rolling off of a hospital table.

Did you know:

• One pound of unwanted crayons is recycled into 5 brand new 8-packs!
• TCI has produced over 86,000 packs of new crayons since 2015!
• ...which has prevented over 160,000 pounds of crayons going into landfills across the country!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts


This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make money if you click them.

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Special Needs Hurley

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.

Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

I can't stress to you the importance of keeping your pets' vaccinations up to date. We're so diligent about bringing our children to the doctor's for routine visits, so why do we become so lax when it comes to our pets? There are so many illnesses and diseases that are highly contagious yet highly preventable with the appropriate vaccines and precautions.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to this friendly fellow, Hurley, who is positive for feline leukemia (FeLV) but can still make an amazing companion!

Handsome Hurley is a 2-year-old tiger and white male kitty who is super affectionate and loves to play! Unfortunately he tested positive for feline leukemia which means he must be kept in a home with no other kitty friends or with other FeLV positive kitties. We are truly hoping someone will open their heart and home to this beautiful guy. Hurley has no adoption fee. Please spread the word and help us find a fur-ever home for him!

A little about FeLV:

Humans cannot contract FeLV, nor can dogs. However, other cats can contract it through "moist contact," such as infected saliva (grooming, licking, biting, sharing dishes, litter boxes, etc.). FeLV cannot be cured, however, kitties who are FeLV positive can live happy lives.


If you're interested in adopting any animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Kittens Galore!

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

I'd like to think that it's plain common sense not to leave your pet in the car while you run into the grocery store or the post office or the bar or anywhere else for that matter... you wouldn't leave your infant in the car, would you? Despite what I think is common sense, I frequently see pets, especially dogs, left in unattended cars even during these exceptionally hot days. 

The temperature in a car rises much quicker than the temperature outside. It takes mere minutes for the temperature to become fatal for an animal. In the state  of Massachusetts, causing an animal to be subjected to any sort of unnecessary cruelty or suffering can be punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of $1000. If you're planning to run errands, leave your pet at home!

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to our many kittens!

In the last several weeks, the Seekonk Animal Shelter has taken in at least two separate litters of kittens. These little ones are just now turning about 8 weeks old and are ready to be adopted! We have a mixture of males and females. The gingers above (orange) are all males. The very patriotic looking sweetpea on the bottom is a female as is the other tiger/striped kitty.

Each will come dewormed, with initial booster vaccines and microchipped. If they are not spayed or neutered prior to leaving the shelter, you will be required to have this done by a given deadline as part of your adoption contract. How can you resist these tiny, fuzzy faces?!


If you're interested in adopting any animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Patrick the Pup & Affordable Vet-Care for Low-Income

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

Have or your spouse recently lost a job? Are you experiencing tough times and have to choose between putting food on the table or seeking vet care for your beloved four-legged family member? There are organizations out there that can offer assistance with veterinary care for your pet if you are in a tight financial situation. It is important to note that, just like you would squirrel away money for your child's college education, you should also budget money for your pet's routine veterinary care. However, things beyond our control happen and sometimes we need a helping hand. The Humane Society of the United States has put together a list of organizations available to offer assistance with spaying/neutering as well as veterinary care. Check out the state-by-state listing for your area.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Patrick!

Patrick is one lucky boy! On Friday the 13th, Patrick was discovered emaciated, covered in sores and shivering in the snow. The good folks at the Seekonk Animal Shelter rescued him and have made him as good as new!

Patrick is a white male bull terrier with some brown spots, one most noticeably around one eye. He was found starving to death and shivering from the cold on a wooded back road near a cow farm. Patrick was dehydrated, very thin and covered in urine, manure, urine-burns and sores. It is possible he had been lying in cow manure to stay warm. Despite all of this, he licked the staffs' faces the entire way tot the veterinary hospital!

Patrick has come a long way in a month - he has gained over 15 pounds back! Despite his ordeal, he has a great personality, is very friendly, enjoys playing with toys and loves his pup treats! He knows some basic commands, is house broken and walks well on his harness. He loves going for walks!

An evaluation has determined that he is food aggressive towards other animals, which is very common in dogs who have dealt with starvation. He is fine with adults and older children, but does not like cats. As a result, he must be the only pet in the house. His ideal home will have no small children because they unknowingly will often tease dogs with food.

Patrick is a healthy weight, up to date on his vaccines, has been neutered and microchipped. He is ready to find a loving home! If you are ready to open your heart and home to this sweet young boy, please stop by the Seekonk Animal Shelter to meet him!

If you're interested in adopting any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!



Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Carmen & Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in MA

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

If you adopt a cat or dog from a Massachusetts shelter, it is a requirement that the animal be spayed or neutered. If the animal is old enough, it will be spayed before adoption and the adoption fee may be a bit higher. If the animal is too young, you, as the adopter, are required to sign paperwork stating you will have the animal spayed by a certain deadline. If you do not follow through and provide documentation, the shelter can pursue legal action. If you need to spay or neuter your cat or dog, check out some of these low-cost clinics in Massachusetts. This list has been put together by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.


And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Carmen.

Carmen is a sweet 5-year old short-haired brown tiger with beautiful white markings. He was left behind when his owners moved. He spent a year and a half as a stray near the Seekonk Commons where neighbors took care of him. He loves to be picked up and will make a wonderful lap cap. He is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations.

If you're interested in adopting Carmen, or any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Great Article on the Selfless Act of Hair Donations

If you've been growing your locks out for some time but are getting sick of the length, considering donating your tresses. I've donated five times, each time to Locks of Love.

But here's an amazing article from Vocal Point that outlines the requirements for hair donations to a variety of organizations.


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Help! Send a Birthday Card to Birthday Boy with Cancer

Please help a fellow Massachusetts resident!

Young Danny Nickerson is a 5 year old who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor several months ago. He will be turning 6 on July 25th. He has a simple birthday wish: cards with his name on it.

Please send Danny some birthday cheer.

Danny Nickerson

PO Box 212

Foxboro, MA 02035

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Hoarder: Buried Alive? What to do with all those Samples & Freebies

Do you love getting mail just as much as I do? I love it so much that no one else in my house is allowed to get the mail. A rush of adrenaline surges through me as I open the box and peek inside. My husband is not nearly as excited about mail as me, especially after a few days in a row of receiving an abundance of samples and freebies. In fact, I can almost see the steam coming out of his ears as he yells at me to find a place for all of my free goodies.

Sometimes I get so many I feel like I'm being buried alive beneath them all. But I've found ways to put those samples and freebies to good use - even the ones I have no intention of ever using.

Photo Source

I order every freebie or sample that is available, even if I know I won't use it personally. I don't have a dog at my house, but my mom does, so I order dog-related freebies. My family already has over 30 containers of deodorant, but I order the free samples anyway because I know local shelters and food pantries will happily take my extras off my hands.

Here are a few MA places where you can donate your freebies and samples. Not a fan of what's on the list or none local enough to you? Use any search engine to search for a local place near you.

Massachusetts

The Greater Boston Food Bank
NEEDS: non perishable food goods

St. Francis House
A homeless shelter
NEEDS: clothing, toiletries, non perishable food goods

Rosie's Place
A homeless shelter and service provider for women
NEEDS: clothing, toiletries, non perishable food goods, twin sheets and blankets, towels, and more

Annelle Delorme-Hagerman Food Pantry
A food pantry run out of Church of Our Savior; also has a soup kitchen distribution several times a month
NEEDS: non perishable food goods, paper and plastic bags, toiletries

Animal Rescue League of Boston
NEEDS: towels, sheets, cat beds, Clorox bleach, laundry detergent, cat treats, rawhides, and more



If you are aware of another charitable organization that would happily accept donations of freebies and other samples, please feel free to comment below and I will add them to the list. Obviously this is not a comprehensive list of organizations in the state of Massachusetts.


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Swansea Mall is Collecting Toys for Tots

Swansea Mall (Swansea Mall Drive in Swansea, MA) is collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Please consider donating to this very worthy cause. When I was younger, after my dad got sick and we had no income at all for quite some time, my mom got to pick out one toy for each of her four children. Those who donated toys to Toys for Tots helped put smiles on our faces when times were tough for us.

Donate Toys for Toys for Tots

Date:	November 1, 2013 – December 12, 2013
Location:	Center Court
Contact:	508-679-2543

Swansea Mall will be a collection site for U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Drop off new, unwrapped toys now thru mid-December at the Toys for Tots box at Center Court and help bring a message of hope to needy youngsters in the community.  This year gifts for children ages 9 to 14 are especially needed.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Operation Christmas Child: Join With Me!

In the past, I have participated in Toys for Tots as well as the Giving Tree at our local mall. Since Coupon Mama Massachusetts started, I have read countless posts by other frugal living bloggers about Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child is part of "Samaritan's Purse - a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization provided spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ."

Since 1993, over 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have been able to enjoy a cheerful Christmas thanks to the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.

Even Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty is helping to spread some Christmas cheer!

You can create and fill your own shoebox, include a $7 donation to help with shipping costs and drop it off at a local collection center.

Or you can create a virtual shoebox for a set fee, choosing specific toys to go inside, and volunteers for Operation Christmas Child will put together the physical shoebox for you!

Lucky for me there is a drop off point in Swansea, MA.... a mere 10 minute drive for me.

So join with my family (and good ol' Uncle Si) and pack a box (or two) for Operation Christmas Child.

If you plan to pack a box, feel free to comment and let us know about it! Even take a picture and post it on Coupon Mama Massachusetts's Facebook page! Spread the word and encourage others to jump on board!

A
Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

TOMS will be donating 1,000,000 new shoes to needy children by the end of 2014

By the end of 2014, 1,000,000 new TOMS will reach children in 35+ states

They give 3 types of shoes:
Canvas Unisex Slip-Ons – a great all-purpose style (similar to the ones customers buy every day); kids choose from a variety of colors
Sports Shoes – constructed for physical activity; supplements our Giving Partners' programs targeting childhood obesity
Winter Boots – Fleece-lined, waterproof, adjustable fit; built to withstand cold climates

They give prescription glasses to schoolchildren in 3 states: California, New Mexico and New York
In the U.S., 2 million children suffer from uncorrected visual impairment problems every year. Without prescription eyeglasses, many of these children are unable to clearly focus in the classroom.

With your help, they will provide new prescription glasses to children, and they even get to pick their own frames.

Pledge to learn more about how TOMS gives in the United States

By pledging to watch the video and share the story, you are helping to spread the One for One movement!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Rise to the Challenge: Pledge to Eat Healthier & Kashi will Donate $$ to Kids in the Kitchen!

Rise to the Challenge

Kashi is partnering with Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen to help kids and parents live healthier lifestyles and curb childhood obesity. By challenging people to take one small step to a better life, Kashi will be donating $2 for every pledge given.

Pledge Now!

Tackling the obstacles to healthy eating starts with making simple changes in the ways we shop, prepare, and cook our meals. Switching to healthier eating doesn't just happen overnight – it begins with small changes – like adding one extra vegetable to your egg scramble, deciding to make a homemade dinner every Wednesday night, or choosing to buy fresh produce from the neighborhood farmer's market on Sundays. As your small changes become habit, it will become easier to add even more healthy choices to your diet.

The Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen program knows the impact that healthy lifestyle choices have on people's lives. The group works in over 200 communities across the country to empower kids and parents to make better, healthier decisions that help curb childhood obesity.

Kids in the Kitchen's important work is critical to helping end the real food deficit. This is why Kashi will give Kids in the Kitchen $2 for every pledge taken, up to $125,000! These donations will help to expand hands-on workshops on cooking, healthy eating, and gardening to people nationwide.

By shifting our own eating behaviors, we're helping to create healthier communities; and with healthier communities, we'll be able to end the real food deficit.

*For every pledge on causes.com/realfood, Kashi will donate $2, up to a maximum of $125,000, to Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen. The donation status will be updated instantaneously. Limit one poll response per Causes.com user. There is a strict limit of one entry per person. If it becomes apparent that a participant is using a computer(s) to circumvent this rule or any other automated or programmed means, any donation will be void. The program will begin at 12:00am ET 7/23/13 and ends at 11:59 pm ET 8/30/13 or until the maximum donation is reached.  Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen will receive a minimum donation of $50,000. Must be a registered Facebook user to participate. This program is published by Causes.com, which is solely responsible for its content. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Kids Meal at Longhorn With Book Donation

Visit Us Online  |   Update Your Profile  |   Unsubscribe To ensure delivery, add longhorn@news.LongHornSteakhouse.com to your address book. LongHorn Steakhouse, 1000 Darden Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32837.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

$1/1 PopChips - A Yummy Easter Basket Treat!

PopChips...good for the Easter Bunny and even a yummy, savory snack for your Easter Baskets... 

Save $1 on the Purchase of Tortilla PopChips

PopChips starts with wholesome potatoes, adds a little heat and pressure, and POP! It's an incredibly flavorful chip! Seasoned with the finest all-natural ingredients, PopChips are so tasty and crispy, you’ll never notice they are healthier for you and your family than fried chip.

Thanks to CommonKindness.com for suggesting this awesome coupon! New to CommonKindness? They have a bunch of awesome coupons and online promo codes that will help you save money. In today's tight economy, every penny saved counts!

If you sign up for a free account with CommonKindness.com, you'll be able to select a non-profit organization to support while you print your coupons. True story!

Check 'em out. Sign up, it's free! And what better way to help others than from the comfort of your own home while clicking your mouse to print out coups that will save you money!
Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts