Coupons, coupons, coupons -- do they really work?

Can you really save money and have a well-stocked pantry?

Yes, you can, and what's more, you find yourself with more than you need more often than not. More than you can use in a month, much less two or three.

And that is where the ability to give to others in need becomes part of the frugal couponers life.

If you're in the greater Cincinnati/Northern KY area and are more connected than I've been this last 24 hour cycle, you've likely heard about how Heather Tenney (aka LMKIA) sparked a HUGE donation drive to the Brighton Food Pantry which as of Thursday was down to their last box of Cheerios.

Not so any longer - go here to see just some of what local tri-state frugalistas donated (along with some of my fave hometown corporations and radio stations) on Friday. Absolutely amazing.

It all started with this post by Heather putting out the call to her readers of the dire situation at Brighton Center. Since Brighton Center served more than 800 families in October of 2009, having no food on their shelves would have been devastating.

Thanks to all who drove down and donated today, that won't happen.

I take for granted how easy it is for me to donate to my local food pantry here in Lebanon; at our church and school, we have a basket in the foyer to receive donations. All I have to do is toss my extras in the van on my way to school drop off and walk them in with my kiddos.

For those of you out there who read about the amazing frugalista faith in action down in NKY today, those of you who wanted to donate but couldn't make it there, I urge you to locate your local food bank so you can make plans to give from your house of plenty. The need is higher than ever this year and the cold winter months are still ahead of us.

Click here to locate the food bank nearest you via FeedingAmerica. If your church or school or community center doesn't already have a donation basket or barrel for your local food bank, I'm betting the folks who run the food bank would be happy to partner with you in making that happen.

Now I need to hop off and gather some more goodies from my own pantry to haul into church on Sunday!

Have a wonderful evening and remember the next time you're in line with your stack-o-coupons and someone behind you in line gets irritated with you, you can tell them that your "little" coupons not only equal {lots} more cash in your pocket but also equal WAY more donations for your food bank.

Let 'em stew and get Scrooge-y over that, m'kay?! ;-)

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