Savvy Shopper: No need to hunt for these Easter deals

Sean Fields
·4 min read

When most people think of religious holidays, Christmas springs to mind. Despite this, today is the true culmination of the Christian faith. With its overtones of renewal and rebirth, Easter also serves as inspiration for those outside the fold. Given how monumental this day is, an article about Savvy Shopping might seem like a letdown. After all, a subject like saving money can't help but pale in comparison.

Fields, Sean
Fields, Sean

However, there is far more to Savvy Shopping than financial considerations. In fact, a key part of this endeavor is doing it in a way that benefits others. In a word, service. And in the spirit of this occasion where we celebrate the world's most prominent servant, here are ways you can use Savvy Shopping to help others:

• First things: Although medicine is about healing people, the principal precept taught is "First, do no harm". In my opinion, I think it is a good one for Savvy Shopping as well. In the desire to save money, I have seen a few do so at the expense of others. From inconveniencing other shoppers to cutting ethical corners, there are many ways to go wrong. Although I shy away from specific guidelines, I think trying to follow the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.") is a simple path to ethical behavior.

• Sharing coupons you can't use: One benefit I have taken advantage of is using coupons that considerate shoppers have left on a store shelf for others. Although I try to leave my unused coupons out as well, it is safe to say it isn't as often as it should be. From having them expire to simply being forgetful, my basic problem is it never seems to be as high a priority as it should be. However, can you imagine how much other people might save if we could all do this just a little more often?

• Donate excess: If you have been Savvy Shopping for any length of time, it is easy to build up a supply. If you are running out of storage space, why not make a donation? Anytime, there is a lot of demand placed on charities and food shelters. Any actions you can take to help will make a positive impact. Some worthwhile organizations include: Ronald McDonald House (http://support.rmhc.org/site/PageNavigator/pw/Donation_Landing.html, 744-8877), Lubbock Dream Center (lubbockdreamcenter.org, 793-3336), Lubbock Impact (lubbockimpact.com, 799-4329), Women’s Protective Services (www.wpslubbock.org, 748-5292), and South Plains Food Bank (spfb.org, 763-3003).

• Coupons for veterans: As our overseas military personnel endure many sacrifices, why not do something small to show appreciation for their service? In particular, you can help them save on groceries by donating expired coupons. Overseas military commissaries accept coupons for up to 6 months after their expiration date. For more and specific information on how to do this, go to: https://bit.ly/3uGQXte.

• Box Tops for Education: Box Tops for Education is a program to provide schools with additional funding. For every receipt scanned, participating manufacturers contribute money to the schools that receive them. To help this effort, keep your eyes out for specially marked packages, save and scan the applicable receipts, and the proceeds will be directed to your favorite educational institution. Among many brands, participants include General Mills, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and Yoplait. For a complete list of such products and additional information about this program, go to http://www.boxtops4education.com/.

• Give blood: A quick, easy, and free way to help others in a significant way is donating blood. With shortages in our blood supply frequently occurring, giving in this manner can literally save a life. With the entire process taking about 30 minutes, you will be hard pressed to do more with less. To sign up, contact Vitalant (formerly known as United Blood Services) (https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx, 797-6804).

• Coke rewards: In case you aren’t aware, most Coca Cola containers have codes with different point values that you can accumulate and exchange for various promotions. Among these are opportunities to contribute to charity (https://us.coca-cola.com/give/). A few avenues for giving include schools, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the Children’s Miracle Network, and the Special Olympics. Sign up here: https://us.coca-cola.com/offers/

Whether your savings end up helping family, friends, or charity, the bargain only increases when others can come along for the ride. Hopefully, you can make your shopping even savvier and do well by doing good. If you have additional ideas on this or any other subject, please visit and "Like" our Facebook site (Click www.facebook.com/LubbockSavvyShopper or log on to Facebook and enter “Lubbock Savvy Shopper” in the search tool) or write us at SavvyShopperLubbock@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts. Also, to stay abreast of developments, follow us on Twitter to get updates: twitter.com/LbbSavvyShopper.

Our community is about a lot more than shopping. In fact, it is really about value and values. On a day this transcendent, there is no better time to revisit this point. Happy Easter!

SEAN FIELDS is the A-J’s Savvy Shopper. Read his columns Sundays and Wednesdays. Email him at SavvyShopperLubbock@gmail.com, like his Facebook page at Facebook.com/LubbockSavvyShopper, or see previous columns and deals at lubbockonline.com/savvy-shopper.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Savvy Shopper: No need to hunt for these Easter deals