Every November, my church collects Thanksgiving meal kits for families in need, and this year, I decided to take on the shopping list challenge myself. It’s one of my favorite ways to give back while also putting my bargain-hunting skills to good use. After all, Super Savers, nothing says gratitude quite like a good deal and a full heart.
Before heading out, I did my homework—comparing prices online, checking sales flyers, and digging through my coupon stash like Indiana Jones on a mission. Preparation is half the battle when you’re trying to stretch every dollar.
For Trip A, I started at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and scored two cans of Del Monte fruit for just $0.68 each after using a 15% off coupon. I also grabbed a box of cookies for $1.52 with that same coupon and picked up a can of store-brand cranberry sauce for $1.89 on sale at a local grocery chain. The rest of the items—including mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and pumpkin—came from Walmart’s store brand lineup. My only hiccup? Accidentally grabbing a larger can of sweet potatoes, which cost about $0.80 more than planned. Still, I walked away with a total of $19.05 for the full meal kit.
A few days later, I went back out for Trip B, determined to see if I could beat my own score. Ollie’s had sold out of fruit, so I swung by Dollar Tree and bought two cans of Libby’s for $1.50 each. The local grocery chain had store-brand green beans for $0.47 a can, and I snagged the proper-sized yams for $2.50. This time, I noticed something unexpected—the store’s branded gelatin was actually cheaper than Walmart’s version! Proof that even name brands can play nice with your budget. After reviewing the latest flyer online, I rounded out the rest of the list with Walmart’s store-brand staples. My total came to $20.23.
Even though Trip B cost a little more, it was a great reminder that prices shift week to week and availability can change faster than a Black Friday checkout line. Both trips proved that a little planning, flexibility, and research can go a long way toward maximizing value.
At the end of the day, I wasn’t just thankful for the savings—I was thankful for the opportunity to share in the spirit of giving. Each can, box, and bag represented a piece of someone’s Thanksgiving dinner. And knowing that made every coupon clip and price check worth it.
So, Super Savers, if you ever get the chance to contribute to a food drive, take it as your mission of the month. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a difference—just a little time, creativity, and heart. That’s the real recipe for a thankful Thanksgiving.
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