Friday, September 19, 2008

doing my part to keep the economy strong

Smart mama is single handed working on improving the consumer spending indexes. If you know me you know I love 2 things 1. GIVING (my parents used to forbid me from giving away things as a child becasue I couldn't stop) and 2. GOOD DEALS. So when all the school supplies went 75% off at target I took that as my call to buy it up and do something with it. What I was going to with 2 carts full o' supplies (sadly pictured is only the loot from my first trip--I actually made another subsequent trip with equal damage and the angle does not provide a full view of the magnitude of damage I did) I didn't know exactly. But I knew I could find good homes for all of it. I am such a believer in education and love to help. I made up super cool backpacks full of cool stuff for school auction events, basket for the teachers drawing for teacher appreciation week, supplies baskets for the school offices, a jumbo basket for #1's teacher, pen bouquets for all the elem teachers, some to be used for students in our area who are in need, a giant load to be shipped to others will be going to Operation Iraqi Children and some to be shipped to help children in the Congo. I also have most of my sons supplies for next year already stocked away. I love to give especially when my dollars get to go 4x as far! You can imagine the shock and surprise though when my husband returned home from a business trip and couldn't even walk through the dining room.
1. a husband who never objects to my "giving"
2. sales
3. giving

13 comments:

Arlyn said...

Seriously, did you clean out the whole store? You must have shocked the checkers. I'm sure they're still talking about you.

But way to go on the giving thing! I think you're setting a great example and doing something great for other kids!

ellen said...

You are a Smart Mama.

Anonymous said...

yay!! If I'm ever half as organized as you I'd love to do that.

smart mama said...

we did cause quite a stir, we bonded with the guy stocking - he was happy to let us wipe out his boxes so he didn't have to organize it all--

My kids go crazy with the magnitude of it-- it's like some wild christmas thing-- all but I love to let them get in on the giving- My #2 has already claimed the job of packer for the iraqi children!

Smilin' sunshine said...

Is there anything left??

Swimmingmom said...

That's so great, way to get a bargain and do something good with it! I sure would love to be a fly on the wall to see dh reaction! He's probably so accustomed to it by now!

Chellie said...

awesome! I'm so mad I haven't made it to Target yet. I heard they are 75% off here as well!

Great job!

Tamlynn said...

Dang you are lucky. We hit Target last week and the only school supplies left were paper folders and backpacks. NOTHING else.

Unknown said...

You are a true giver.
I will try to emulate you.
My budget can't affort to clean out the Target here, though.
You rock.

andrea said...

You are awesome friend. I need you on my PTA.

LL said...

LOVE IT! i'm with you, giving and deals.
Chris makes fun of me and my love for the clearance. If the store marked everything UP then marked it 75% off, I'd buy it because i can't resist!
good for you...smart AND generous. I love it.
btw, my MIL had nothing but PRAISE in your honor, she was quite impressed with you! hope we can get together one night this week.

Company EIGHT said...

what a great haul! you ARE a smart mama! I want to do this with my kids--I need to get more info from you!

Christy said...

It is amazing how easy it and cheap it is to stock just one classroom for those in need. Good Work!