Crossinator

We all want to save money, even if we are living comfortably, why not save a few dollars here and there! I've been using these resources for awhile now and enjoy them both. They are both pretty unassuming but can help meet your needs time and again.

Freecycle

Freecycle is a Yahoo! Groups based e-mail service that helps you recycle items for free around your metropolitan area. By joining you recieve e-mails throughout the day from people offering used items and others asking for used items. Everything has to be offered for free and you generally pick up the item at a designated spot. There are over 4,000 networks and 3.5 million users! Even Chillicothe Ohio has a Freecycle group!

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free.

I've gotten a grill, magazine stand, microwave, flower pots, and a table from various people throughout Anderson. I've also given away mirrors, computer parts, and flower pots. I will admit it can be annoying because of the sheer quantity of e-mails that you'll get and the fact that so many people are sitting at their e-mail that they can respond within minutes to a posting. I got lucky! Pretty much everything imaginable has been posted!


Angel Food Ministry
Angel Food Ministry is a newer resource that we have started using. You get a large quantity of good and healthy food for $25. Using a similar premise to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), except that you get to pick and choose which months you want to purchase food based on the current menu. They claim the food is not out-dated or day old products. There have been products in packaging from Ore Ida and Banquet so you know some of it is good quality. The food overall has been good thus far.

There are little things that can make it inconvienent such as limited times to drop off your money and then a one day pick-up for your food. Most of it is freezer based. It is a Christian ministry that is housed in churches around the country which is very neat. Did I mention they take Food Stamps? We have enjoyed it!

Here is a sample of their menu (from June):

(1) 2 lb. Salisbury Steak Dinner (1) 2 lb. St. Louis Ribs (1) 2 lb. Chicken Tenders (1) 18 oz. Stuffed Manicotti (8) 4 oz. Country Fried Beef Steaks (1) 2 lb. Chicken Breast Fillets (1) 6.5 oz. Lasagna Hamburger Dinner (1) 7.5 oz. Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad (1) 16 oz. Pinto Beans

(1) 16 oz. Sliced Frozen Carrots (1) 16 oz. Corn (1) 24 oz. Steak-Cut French Fries (1) 8 oz. Corn Muffin Mix (1) 1 lb. White Rice (1) 14 oz. Peanut Butter (1) 10 ct. Waffles (1) Each Dessert Item

ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF JUST $25.00*
* taxes may apply in some states

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** One or more specials available only with the purchase of a regular unit. **

JUNE SPECIAL #1

5.5 lb. Grill Box - $18.00
(4- 8 oz. New York Strips, 1-1 lb. Italian Sausage, 4-6 oz. Pork Chops, 1-1 lb. Chicken Breast Fillet)

JUNE SPECIAL #2

5.5 lb. BBQ Box - $18.00
(4-6 oz. Baseball-cut Sirloin Steaks, 4-4 oz. Bacon Wrapped Sirloin Fillets, 4-4 oz Steakburgers, 2 lb. Beef Back Ribs)

JUNE SPECIAL #3

10 lb. Chicken Combo - $17.00
(2 lbs. Wings, 2 lbs. Breaded Tenders, 2 lbs. Breaded Nuggets, 2 lbs. IQF Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast, 2 lbs. Breaded Frying Chicken)

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