UPDATE on Post #1 Re. - V-DAY SHELTER PACKS *PICS*

[eriluo]

Well after much hype, talk and shopping, they are finally done - my Valentine's edition of my women's shelter packs!

They were a lot of work, very long in the making (probably since my last packs were complete at the end of September!) but very, very satisfying to do and will be even more satisying to deliver.

My ethnic roots are 100% Finnish and Valentine's Day over there is called "Ystavan Paiva", which direct translation = Friend Day!

So in celebration of "Friend Day", here is how my shelter packs morphed themselves this time around for 12 unknown "friends" out there:


I was able to snag 9x Venus Embrace kits for ridiculously low prices on Boxing Day using coupies, and then mimicked those kits using Satin Embrace coupies + Venus Embrace razor coupies to make up the difference. I also picked up 12 of the Life Brand Facial Masks as a "spa-like" treat!


Of course, no shelter pack is complete without toothbrushes, toothpaste and shower gel, so I used my RAOK of coupies for toothpaste plus kept an eye out for sales to get this haul!


As I wrote about yesterday, it's no SECRET that Wal-mart had an awesome sale on SECRET, so I am stocked up on deodorant so much so, I have enough for my next Shelter stash already


So not everybody dyes their hair and not everybody has dandruff, so I gathered 6 packs of Everpure and 6 packs of Head and Shoulder and have extras in my surplus for next time around too! I also had enough Pantene Hairspray and enough V-05 hot oil tubes for all my packs! Also shown in this photo are Olay and Dove soap, which I put one bar in each pack, as well as one bottle of body lotion and one package of pads per basket as well.


And Valentine's Day wouldn't be Valentine's Day, without a bit of chocolate, so I picked up 12 mini boxes of Russell Stovers for $2 ea. to put in the baskets!


And of course, in order to make baskets, you need baskets, so la voila! $2 ea. at Dollarama, a good investment for esthetics on V-Day!


Here is a closer look at how the basket looks once assembled!


Here are how all 12 look once assembled


Here is how one looks once completely wrapped.


Here is what they all look like completely wrapped.


Here is part of the stash I am left to work with for next time around

So, the big question on your minds is how much I spent?

Well, first off, my last shelter packs cost me about $120 total to make.

I think this time around I probably equaled that plus spent maybe, $50 or so more to add the chocolate, baskets, wrap, ribbons, facial masks and body lotion. So I probably spent about $175 in total for 12 baskets, that obviously contain at least $60 in goodies per basket! Of course, I am in Ontario, and not only pay 13% in taxes but also can't stack coupons, so with a little help from my SC friends with coupon RAOKS and good tips from this board, I managed to pull this off yet again! Thanks to everyone who gave me hot tips or hot coupons!

Our 10 bed community shelter is located about an hour away from here, so I look forward to taking a leisurely drive with the family on Valentine's Day weekend to deliver the goods. Donating over $700 worth of products to those in need on a day where they should feel love will do my heart much good. I once had a Valentine's Day that I don't care to remember too often, and would like to make sure others never experience that and have a good Valentine's day no matter their circumstances.

“The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.”

Happy early Valentine's Day Everyone!
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Update as of Feb. 13 - Jack and I made the one hour drive to the shelter and the one hour drive back home to deliver the 12 shelter packs. Before leaving the house, I called the shelter to let them know we would be dropping some stuff off and they were thrilled to hear it.

Upon our arrival, they were floored at the size of the gift baskets and the content. One of the staff members said I gave her goosebumps when I told them my personal connection to the shelter. She said she would share my story with the residents to give them hope that things do get better

Leaving the shelter, I had a sense of both pride and happiness, knowing we did our part as well as the fact I am teaching Jack, even though he has autism, a valuable lesson, and that is giving to others feels as good than giving to yourself.

I took a few pics of the thank you card I received from them and wanted to share with you, so here it is:





Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day

[Sally888]

This is super awesome! Great job!

[gasjoc]

Wow that is awesome.. It is nice of you to make sure that they know that someone cares on that day..

[nancyrose]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! I'm so inspired!

Our local shelter is just across the street from me. I've started collecting self-care things and stashing them in a box in the bottom of the linen closet. I stocked up on feminine hygiene products at Metro last week when I fell upon a clearance sale, and had coupons in hand! And the Secret Flawless deal was great too! It doesn't have to cost a ton of money, and it means so, so much.

I love knowing about your Finnish "Friend Day" - wonderful!

[yagiies]

it's an amazing feeling to donate to those who are in need, good job! (:

[glenglen]

OMG you are the super organizer WTG.

[coupon girl]

that is sooo nice, awesome job

[madeinczech]

Amazing deals! I love your super generousity!

[hcao]

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butt Webcams

[nutthenat]

I have tears in my eyes (ok, maybe I'm just too sensitive). But that is amazing and you have inspired me to try to do the same.

[MommyC]

What you're doing is really inspiring. You'll be blessed abudantly in return.

[banana03]

Very generous of you! They look great!

[kevico2]

Awesome!

A miracle for these lucky women! You are a very generous person! God bless!

[ilovecoupons]

[lalita1985]

Wow. That is an amazing gesture and I'm sure the people who recieve those will be very thankful that there is someone as generous as you. Great job!