OCC // Weekly Deals: October 9 - 15

Yesterday I posted about Operation Christmas Child and how it is one of my favorite ways to give during the holiday season. I realize that for many this time of year is very hard, for many reasons, but one being finances. It is sometimes difficult to find room in the budget for gifts for family, so the idea of giving to other organizations and causes can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be!

I’ve already written a couple of posts about Giving on aBudget, so be sure to check it out. I will also be posting each week a list of deals at select stores that can help pack an Operation Christmas Child shoe box for cheap.  I hope it helps you…but I will also be looking for more ideas FROM you! So please be sure to post in the comments any deals or ideas you have. J

OCC National Collection Week starts November 14, so we have a few weeks to get the best deals. Start out by setting aside a certain amount you can afford to spend on the project. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Shipping:
Each box requires $7 for shipping. You will have to either include a check inside the box or pay shipping online. (If you pay online, you can track your box to find out where it goes!) Get creative to cover this cost: start saving change from your wallet; skip a coffee run; do you do surveys online? I have a $5 check on the way from a survey company I signed up with…

The Shoe Box:

Your shoe box can be free if you can find an empty cardboard one (ask some friends and family if they have one). Or you can call local churches or OCC collection sites to see if they have specially marked OCC shoe boxes available. If you don’t mind spending a couple extra bucks, pick up a plastic one at the store. These are great for the project because they are so durable and can be used by the child long after they receive it.

Contents:

There are so many different items that can be placed inside the box that it will be easy to find great deals. Remember, name brands do not matter to these children. You could fill an entire box with one trip to the dollar store which would be cheap enough. BUT you could do better watching sales and matching coupons. Also think about signing up for free samples (bar soap, toothpaste).

(Note: The deals below are the ADVERTISED deals of the week on items that are appropriate for OCC. You might find better prices in store on other items or over the following weeks. In general, go for things that are less than $1 per item.)

Deals for October 9 – 15

CVS Deals:

Buy 2 Dentyne, Stride or Trident Gum, 3 pk. at $2 ea

Get back $2 Extra Care Bucks (ECB)
Final Cost: $1 ea

(Include a note and picture from your family to the child)

Buy 3 Hallmark Greetings Cards (in some places, American Greeting Cards)
Get back $3 ECB

(If you are sending a flashlight or toy requiring batteries, be sure to send some extras)

Buy Duracell AAA/AA 16 pk., C/D 8pk., 9V 4pk. at $9.99
Look for coupons on packages
Get back $2 ECB
Final Cost: $7.99 or less with coupon

(There is a chance you can find toothpaste and toothbrushes for free – but these are good deals too)
Buy Multi-Pack Crest, Fixodent, Glide or Oral-B starting at $4.39 ea
Get back $2 ECB
PLUS use the coupon from 9/11 SmartSource
-$2 off Crest Complete toothpaste/Oral-B Complete floss/toothbrush
OR coupon from 10/02 Proctor & Gamble Insert
-$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz+ or liquid gel
Final Cost: As low as 39¢ after ECB

Buy Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief 2.7 oz /Toothbrush, 1 ct. at $3.49 ea

Get back $1.50 ECB
Use a coupon from 10/02 SS Insert:
-.75/1 Colgate Total, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste, 4 oz+
OR -.40/1 Colgate adult or kids manual toothbrush
Final Cost: As low as $1.24 after ECB

Walgreens Deals:

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste (4oz) or 360 Toothbrush (price?)

Get back $3 Register Rewards (RR)
PLUS use this coupon from the 10/02 SmartSource (SS) Insert: 
-.75/1 Colgate Total, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste, 4 oz +
Final Cost: Possibly FREE after RR

Buy 2 Altoids or Tic Tac at 99¢ ea
PLUS use this coupon from the 10/02 Red Plum (RP) Insert:

-$1/2 Tic Tac mints, single or multipack
Final Cost: 49¢ ea

Buy 2 Softsoap Bar Soap, 4 pk. at $3ea
PLUS use  this coupon from the Walgreen October Coupon Booklet:

-$2/2 Softsoap body wash 15 or 18 oz or bar soap 4 pk
AND use 2 these coupons from the 9/25 SS Insert
-.50/1 Softsoap bar soap, 2 pk +
Final Cost: $1.50 per pack

Dove or Caress Bar Soap, 3.15 oz, 99¢ w/in-ad coupon

Stick Pen or Pencil with Eraser Top, 25¢ w/in-ad coupon

Want to see even more deals? Check out my favorite coupon sites:

Hip2Save
SouthernSavers
MoneySavingMom
IHeartWags
IHeartCVS

Have fun!!