Dear Heloise: I give money to charities I support, including the food bank, but I've discovered a way to give food items all year long.
When at the grocery store, I buy staples like canned goods, peanut butter, cereals and stuffing to donate. I put these in a separate bag at home and, when full, take it to the food bank.-D.T., via email
A wonderful heart and helping hint. The same principle applies when at the drugstore or shopping for clothes. I look at the "on sale" or closeout shelves or racks.
Think hair shampoo, deodorant, hairbrushes and combs, bars of soap and other personal-care items for people in shelters. Don't forget the kiddies, too-coloring books, crayons or small games.
They always are in need of NEW bras, underwear (male/female, children and grown-ups), T-shirts, shirts and pants. During winter, coats, hats and mittens are needed. In summertime, shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes and flip-flops.-Heloise
P.S. Pick up one or two sale items when shopping-easy on your budget.
RETIREMENT-COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Dear Heloise: In my retirement community, we share books, DVDs and magazines. Here is how I keep track of who has lent what to whom:
When I add a book or movie to the library, I take a 3-by-5-inch card with my name and phone number on it, and fashion a pocket to slip it inside. When I've read the book or watched the movie, I "rate" it one to 10, 10 being the best.
I am the facilitator of the program, so I keep a master list of titles out and who has them. I let people keep materials for two weeks and call with a friendly reminder to return the item.-L.B. in New Jersey
CARDS TO HOSPITAL
Dear Heloise: When people are in the hospital, I love to send a card with my well wishes. Here's my hint: Address the envelope to the person in the hospital, complete with the room number on it. (Heloise here: Patients do change rooms; it might be better to leave this off.) Put the return address as the person's home address.
This way, the person will get the card, regardless of his or her location!
And hopefully, he or she will be on the way to feeling strong soon.-B.C., Boulder City, Colo.
TOWELS ON SALE
Dear Heloise: Whether they are bath towels or kitchen towels, fresh towels that are new, crisp and not stained are a real pick-me-up!
January and February are a great time for white sales, so this is when I stock up.-Mary J., Goshen, Ind.
You are so right! The old, stained, ugly kitchen towels need to go in the rag bag! Buy a new set now-you deserve them.-Heloise
EASY STORAGE
Dear Heloise: I've found a great way to organize my kitchen cabinets: a dish rack. The slats make it easy to slip in pot lids, large serving spoons, cutting boards and other items.-Lisa P. in Pittsburgh
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate