Hip2Help Tour Update
As I mentioned yesterday, my garage is quickly filling up with boxes that are arriving for the Hip2Help Tour thanks to the generosity of all of you! I have received boxes from Hipsters who live all over the country…. from Illinois to Pennsylvania to Arizona to Oregon to California and more. Your kindness and willingness to give back is inspiring and humbling! In addition, I was blessed to be able to use a huge amount of credits ($2,000 worth!) that I had earned on Gaggle of Chicks (thanks to all of you!) to purchase $4,000 worth of brand new toys, dollhouses, kid’s tables and more from Happy Chickadee at absolutely no cost (even the shipping was free).
I am also so grateful for the Hip2Save readers in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia who have volunteered to be Hip2Save Reader Leaders and have begun planning community events, finding families to sponsor etc. If you are interested in helping or donating your stockpiled items/freebies/coupons, please check out the Hip2Help Tour page here for contact information. You can also easily access the Hip2Help page by clicking on the Hip2Help button in the right sidebar of Hip2Save (just look for the blonde girl in the bus 😉 ).
We will be traveling (July 3rd-9th) to…
* Griffin, GA
* Elmore County, AL
* Memphis, TN
* Calhoun County, AL
* On a side note, my heart is breaking for those of you who live in Joplin, MO or have family in this area. If you want to help out the residents in Joplin, you can head over here to make a donation through the American Red Cross. Or you may want to check out Couponing to Disney’s post to see where you can donate your stockpiled items.
** If you are considering sending off a package, you may want to take advantage of the $3 off any UPS Shipping Package coupon found in the Staples ad (valid through May 28th at any Staples US Ship Center).
This is do wonderful what the Hip2Save team is doing and I will be sending out my box soon! My family and I drive through Griffin, GA on the way to my in-laws house. We were in town over the Easter holidays and drove through the day after the tornados hit that area and saw first hand all of the damage that was done. Thanks for all you do Collin!!!
Collin, is there somewhere local that I can drop off a bunch of stuff from my stockpile to help with this effort? I live in Onslow County and I could easily drop off more than what I could ship. Thank you.
I just emailed you! 🙂
Hi Collin! I also live in Onslow County and will like to drop off my donation. Will you please let me know how I can do this without shipping it? Thanks!
hey Collin, I’ve been trying to also find a place where I could drop off my boxes. I have 4 boxes that are fairly large and since I will be in Emerald Isle, NC (about 30 mins from jacksonville) the last week of June I would appreciate being able to drop off my donation.
I just emailed you both as well! 🙂
I recently read an article online about these communities being overwhelmed by the donations of “stuff”. Authorities were requesting monetary donations to agencies such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.
Sarah, there are some places that have gotten an over abundance of things, but there again OUR area is the forgotten area. ( Calhoun, St Claire, Etowah county area) The west said of alabama has been flooded with help, from celabraties, and concerts and the such. If you do donate to the red cross, thats good, but, they are not non profit and 100% of your donation does not go to the survivors. GIFT cards are the TRUE way to go. This way they can buy gas for their cars and they can buy food, and things that dont get donated. Please realize im not bashing any agency, we are all gratful for the help, but it has been left up to our surrounding areas churches and good neighbors to take care of our part of the state. The Documentary on discovery channell sunday night did not even mention Ohatchee, Websters chapel and others over here. We are the forgotten ones, and it was JUST as bad here F-4 loss of life and homes.. Im sorry I got on my soap box.. Please help THEM here I wish you could ride thru the communitys, its a humbling experiance.
Tina, Thank goodness you are ok. I hope your family and friends survived this as well. It just breaks my heart. To see it happen in Joplin now too, it can occur anywhere. I live in NY and can say that we did not here much of any of this but are now seeing Joplin.It needs to be out there more instead of senceless acts of violance and crime. It also pains me that a few keep leaving messages as if there is too much help and donations, almost telling people without realizing it that you may be making someone think twice about donating and or decide its not needed. It is important for people to remember that though some areas seem to have recieved a lot…..it does get distributed and that building or room can empty faster than it filled. Let the officials and the communities figure out where to put it or send it…they will. Most important as we have seen in the past in this country….the news and events start to fade, volunteers run thin and tire….donations fade…BUT THE PEOPLE WILL STILL NEED HELP…months from now and even a year from now and longer…we will still be needed to come together. So STAY on that soap box and DON”T get off…Be the first hand voice that many of us need to hear 🙂
thank you Christina, yes in the months to come after its all fotgotten and most are gig about the same ole routine, those devistated will still be peicing their lives back together.. its a sad but true fact.. We are blessed that even in the bad times we have a GOD that loves us and is always good.. His ways are not our ways and we dont understand, but he still has a plan for our lives.. ok thanks yall! see you in July!
My sister in law was one of those hit in the Griffin area. I know that there are several in that area that need your help. I have shared my stockpile with them for sure. Let me know how I may help. I will not be in town that week but I will do whatever I can before hand.
Collin you are amazing! I love our Hip2Save community. Your guidance and efforts have changed the life of my family and those who I have referred to your site. May God bless you for all your efforts!
I’m In Fayetteville, NC. Our church is send a truck next week to Joplin,MO. Our pastor’s cousin has a church in Joplin. We are taking donations. I you are interested in sending something to us. Email me please. southernyankeecrafts (at) GMAIL (dot) COM
Hi Collin, I would normally jump at the chance to donate to your drive, but my hubby and I decided instead of a family vacation this summer, we are taking the kids (11 and 8) in my parents RV to Joplin on June 12th for a week plus to help out. We are from Bemidji, Minnesota, and although our own state was hit the same day, MO has a much greater need, and our own state is being taken care of adequately.
We are hoping to pack the RV and even hook a trailer on packed as well. Will you please forward my information to anyone who knows people in the Joplin area that have specific needs? We will be hooking up with the Calvary Chapel church there. My email is mistymalt at yahoo dot com. I have requested coupons from friends and family to pile up as much as I can purchase before leaving, and will be doing several donation drives up here as well.
To fellow H2S-ers, if you live in MN and would like to donate without having to ship, please contact me and we can arrange to pick up on our way down there.
To all those affected by these tornadoes, please know that you have thousands of fellow Americans praying and supporting you~HUGS!!
lol….ages were 11 and 8, but my 8 year old daughter is a smiley face, too!
Footballchic73, I live in Ringgold, Ga where the Tornado’s hit pretty bad in Cherokee Valley, Ringgold, Salem Valley, Apison and more on April 27, 2011. And the reason I am telling you this is because FEMA has told us that no one under the age of 18 is a loud to help out. Maybe you want to check it out to make sure. But they are saying they will fine us and and the church we are working with. I just wanted to give you a heads up.
Actually, yes they are certainly allowed to help. Samaritan’s Purse requires 14 and older, so I don’t know how FEMA thinks they can dictate that unless it was projects they are specifically doing that your church was around at the time?? I am sure heavy equip. operations can’t have kids around. maybe thats why? Collin’s bus relief group includes many children as well. Thanks for the info-there are many things kids can do to help, like helping serve meals at the church to homeless, reading to young children, etc…that doesn’t involve debris cleanup, but yes, we aren’t going down blindly, we have already contacted our church affiliate there. We had originally planned to go to AL, but its twice as far for us as MO. It is so sad to see pics of those areas-looks like nothing has been done the damage is so bad 🙁
Footballchic73 I just wanted to say thank you for what you and your family are doing. A co worker lost his grandfather in Joplin and it was beyond heartbreaking to see his face and confusion Monday morning when he came in to tell our boss he needed to leave town and head that way. God bless you and prayers to you and your family!
I am glad you checked it out. In our town if our church has anyone under 18 helping hand out food, clothing or anything not even related to debri clean up we as a church and a person will get fined. FEMA is not on my happy list.
FEMA has already come in showing their badges and made it very clear no kids at all allowed to help in a disaster zone even if it’s at a church that wasn’t damaged but surrounding places are. I hope it all works out for you.
My son cried when he couldn’t help out. I understand clean up but handing out clothing or food is not hazardest. 🙁 Life will not be the same here for a while. I hope things get better in the other areas that got hit elsewhere. Thanks for helping. I know they appreciate it.
Hello Minnesota nice! My hubby is from Osakis, but due to the ARMY we are in Seattle. I have a friend who’s friends husband was just found in the Home Depot about an hour ago, and he did not make it. i will give your email to them. I know that their house is completely flooded, and both of their cars are gone along with their Husband and daddy. Thank you for what you are doing! Sarah p.s. I don’t see your email address
Oh my, that is so sad, I just read about that. Yes, please pass my email along to them. mistymalt at yahoo dot com especially since they have kids. I’m sure you saw the twin cities were hit hard too, but only an F2. MN got lucky; an F5 would have taken thousands of lives in that highly populated area.
May I also say a huge THANK YOU for serving in our military-volunteering your lives daily for all of us!
nevermind! I just found it!
Saw your comment about the person killed at home depot. I am trying to get a flag box to the family can you send a message to them and reply to this. Brian
Thank you for the help you are sending our way down here. Joplin is really hurting right now, but it helps our hearts heal to see all the outpouring of help in the area. I am an RN and have been helping out at aide/medical station all day today and memorial hall yesterday. We have had so many churches and agencies coming in to help from all over the US. I was so surprise to see how fast of them got here sunday and Monday moring, Thank you for keeping our community in your thoughts. On another note, I have really been shown why I love shopping at my local Walgreens. The hardest hit areas has a walgreens on the corner, and their staff has been our go to people for any supplies we needed early on sunday night and every since. I also am so thankful that I also learned how to coupon so that I could donate so much stuff yesterday and today. It really helped us have supplies for familes while waiting for the donation drop of center my nursing students set up to get up and running. I also am proud to say I am a nursing instructor with some of the best students in the worlds and they two are hip2savers. Thank you collin for all that you help us to do for others.
Michelle, my husband is also an RN, and will be able to help out in that capacity while there if needed as well. What I am so touched by is those of you who have been personally hit by the tornado, but are foregoing your own needs to go help others. We keep hearing stories of that on the news-Joplin has a wonderful community!
As an educator in Joplin, your efforts will be greatly appreciated. I can tell you that specific needs right now are hygiene products, blankets, tarps, and radios (weather or other that are battery operated as most people do not have electricity at this time) Mother nature has been uncooperative in rescue efforts and many of the tornado sirens in the city are not working. We are experiencing violent storms again this evening.
Colin – Alicia with Gateway to Savings lives around Springfield, MO (my hometown), which is about 50 minutes north of Joplin. I think she may be organizing a relief effort if you want to maybe pair up with her…. She’s on Facebook as well as both Gateway to Savings and Alicia Myers. thanks for all you’re doing! Holly
As I read this there is another tornado on the ground in Oklahoma. It’s been quite a season already.
This make me proud to a Hipster! We have a box coming to you this week!. keep us posted on the Hip to Save t shirts. Would love to wear it on my late night Walmart runs:). Thanks again for all you do!
Yes, I sure will. We are in the process of getting the shirts made, so hopefully we will have them available to purchase in just a couple weeks.
collin,
i may have been the only one to read this possibly incorrectly…are You personally still taking donations or should we contact other places? i dont know how you are going to fit all that in your bus! lol.
Thanks for your amazing time and spirit!
We sure are still taking donations! 🙂 We will be driving down a huge U-Haul so that we can fit everything.
This is such an awesome idea. I recently started a local couponing group. When I saw this, I knew we could help. I’m asking all my members to contribute items that we can all send together. I hope we can provide you with a sizable donation within a few weeks.
Thanks so much, Sharon! We sure appreciate it! 🙂
We have someone locally here in Utah from Joplin that is getting donations together to send down to Joplin. Anyone in Utah that wants to donate, here’s the info, drop off centers at: The Layton Christian Academy (2352 E. HWY 193 in Layton, UT 84015), the Automatic Car Credit locations in Salt Lake City, Layton and Ogden, and Northern Realty inside the Layton Hills Mall. It is just so devistating what has happened but I am grateful for Hip2Save to be able to donate some of my stockpile to help them out!
You are such a blessing….may God overwhelm you with happiness for all you do!!!!
I think it is great what you are doing but I am also saddened that all the states you are helping are far away–there was a tremendous amount of devastation in NC and they are not listed on your tour.
Hi Tammy!
I have personally made many donations from my stockpile to help out those that lost everything here in North Carolina. Several weeks ago, I posted a survey on Hip2Save to get an idea of the areas in the country that were needing the most help. After analyzing the results of the survey (based on input from Hipsters like yourself), there seemed to be an overwhelming need in the 4 locations that I will be traveling to in July.
Regarding Joplin, please pray for SPC Rusty Howard’s family, especially his wife. He was killed during the tornado along with his two children.
I will be praying for them.
Oh my gosh! My heart just breaks for her. That just doesn’t seem fair.
Thank you for helping Memphis, TN. I used to live near there a few years ago.
You are welcome. I am honored to be able to go to Memphis.
I live in MEMPHIS! Please tell me what I can do to help 🙂 I have LOTS of Reach toothbrushes, lol. But I could do so much more!
Collin, thanks for providing an outlet for us buisy Moms to help out. I mailed an envelope bursting with coupons you can use to buy products on the trip. I don’t have time to shop but the coupons can help those in need. Keep us updated on your progress and keep up the great work on the blog 🙂
Thank you so much Marcie!
Collin,
Thanks for helping out all these places that have been hit by disasters. I actually live in Ringgold, Ga were on April 27th 2011 we got hit by a tornado. It hit many places and has destroyed our town and surrounding towns and areas. It is horrible. It destroyed many homes. But I wanted to tell you that it means a lot to know people care. I know your not coming to our town. But I am just saying Thanks for all you are doing. It sure means a lot to know people really do care about others.
There are so many people out there that were scammed it is sickening.
THANKS!
Thanks so much!
I hope you don’t run out of room Collin! 🙂
I would be happy to run out of room. 😉
By the way I love the picture you made for the tour! It’s really cute!
Thanks Kristina!
I would love to send you a whole envelope of coupons, but don’t have hardly any “free” product coupons and a few I have expire withing a couple weeks. Are there other coupons you are looking for that could help? Where are good places to get more free product coupons?
Thanks so much Hannah. I am asking for free product coupons only at this time and preferably free product coupons that do not expire until July 2011 at the earliest. The best ways to obtain free product coupons are by requesting free product coupons from manufacturers (when these offers are available on their web-sites) and/or emailing manufacturers and requesting coupons.
I live in Kansas City, MO – just a few hours away from Joplin so all the devastation seems to be getting closer and closer to me. I cannot believe the weather that has been going on. I am praying for all of the families affected by the recent natural disasters to have strength through these difficult times. God bless.
I’m also in the KC area I live in Shawnee, KS. This is all hitting way too close to home. I will be donating to Joplin for sure. Several TV station are listing where we can drop off our stockpile items. Thank you Collin for helping us help others. My heart & prayers goes out to everyone and their families.
Hi! I live close to you too, and I want to ask you a question.
Where can I drop off my things?
hi,
for those of you wanting to help but not able to pay for shipping, i just came across this site with an address where you can mail coupons:
https://www.caringwithcoupons.blogspot.com/
Convoy of Hope is an organization for southwest Missouri who is making huge contributions for the residents of Joplin. I live in Springfield and have family in Joplin-so thank you to all who are helping. You can also go to ConvoyofHope.com to make donations or find out where to volunteer.
Hi Collin,
I tried to email the person who was helping out in Griffin, GA and there is an error msg. Can you send me the email addres bc I wanted to help out.
Thanks,
Brooke
Hi Brooke,
Try this email address and let me know if it works:
bhouston@dfiequipment(dot)com
There is an amazing spreadsheet that shows places where you can drop off items for the Joplin relief effort here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?hl=en_US&key=t7FpXE61_2vBAn9fQ_QkQKA&f=true&gid=0
Also, their Facebook page, here: https://www.facebook.com/joplinmo is very helpful. I live in Kentucky and posted a question regarding drop-off locations and almost immediately had a message from a man in Nashville, TN (about 45 minutes away) who is taking a truck to Joplin to help with the relief efforts there.
Times like these renew my faith in humanity and make me realize there are people out there who care. I am so thankful for places like Hip2Save for giving us the opportunities to save so much so we can give to others. It is truly humbling to help someone you know can never repay you.
Amazing compiled list! I’m an educator in Joplin and the outreach is just absolutely amazing! Please help spread the word that tarps are a major need right now. They are in short supply here right now and people who have homes standing, but damaged roofs, need tarps to secure what they have left.
You are an awesome person! Thanks for posting the spreadsheet. I now can donate things for people in need!
I also live in Joplin, MO. Something that I had a hard time finding was plastic to cover windows. My husband had to get a painters drop cloth which is really thin so we may have to replace it soon but that was all we could find. It’s really hard to find things because most of the stores that we normally shop at are now gone. I know not very many places are taking clothing donations anymore because they’re too full. Every street in the city has cases of water for anyone to take. Our boil order was lifted today so that helps too. One thing that most people don’t think about donating is dog collars, dog & cat food, & tie ups. We had to go to the local petstore and buy stuff to keep our dog tied up because our fence was damaged. Also another weird item that many people may have laying around their garage is softball/baseball equipment. My daughter’s softball league is trying to decide if they want to finish the season. I’m all for it because the kids here don’t understand why they aren’t going to school anymore and why all of a sudden activities are over. I think it would help all of us to get our mind on something else. The problem is several girls lost everything and they’re trying to get people to sponsor a child to replace what was lost. If anybody’s interested in helping out feel free to e-mail me and I’ll try to get you in contact with the right person. holliedeberry@yahoo.com Thanks for all your support we really appreciate it!!!!
I have to say that my heart breaks for all of these disasters and I am surprised that we haven’t been hit hard in Indiana yet. We are smack dab in the gateway of storms headed west to east. I will donate what I can.
Does this mean we can use UPS to ship to you or only to those other places? I have three boxes packaged up with USPS but would prefer to save myself money by sending UPS (way cheaper for me). Just need clarification as I am going to be sending them this week. Thanks.
UPS prefers to ship boxes to a physical address versus a PO Box. I hope to have a physical address here in Jacksonville NC very soon that you can use to mail Hip2Help donations so stay tuned. 😀
I live an hour from Joplin and have family there which are all fine. My sister is an EMT there. I have been working on getting lots of friends to bake cookies which I am going to take down Sat and distribute to all those amazing emergency workers. The response has been amazing.
LOVE this! Is there anyone in the Nashville, TN area doing anything?
Lisa, email me at stuart912 at gmail dot com. I live in Bowling Green, KY, but I am meeting a man in Nashville so he can load my items on his truck.
I vote that instead of traveling, that you send all you have to Joplin, MO. They REALLY need the help! They are supposed to get more storms tonight!!!
If you are interested in donating for the Joplin relief effort, you can go online or telephone donations to the Heart of Missouri United Way – 100% of donations go directly to Joplin.
Tarps! We need tarps in Joplin! They are in short supply here right now and people who have homes standing, but damaged roofs, need tarps to secure what they have left.
My cousin, who lost her home in a fire last summer, said they also likely need storage totes..do you know? She said it was one of the most helpful things for her, so they had something to put their few belongings in and carry. It sounds like that is a great idea to bring donations in so people can use them. Especially with the rain that keeps pounding…Collin, you may also want to check on this and ask local people to get those for you to bring stuff in on your road trip!
Awesome news Collin!! I live in Calhoun County, AL and we still have so many people working to even dig out of the debris. Writing the contact person now for info on how I can help. Been trying to build my stockpile back up in the past couple of weeks after our initial donation and will continue to do so to get more supplies for the survivors. Looking forward to seeing the Hip 2 Help tour bus pull into town in July! Thank you for not forgetting the smaller towns that have been hit hard too! Prayers continue to go out to those affected in Missouri and now Oklahoma.
Yeye Brandi, I am Tina, the contact for Calhoun county.. I would love for you to help us. We are planning a VERY exciting time here of Service in the community and a day of HEALING for the SURVIVORS and VOLUNTEERS.. you are not going to believe all that is being planned.. it just keeps growing and growing.. I love our community and how so many are willing to give and help. SWEET HOME ALABAMA! 🙂
I am in St Louis and my former church Windsor Crossing is having a HUGE drive to take supplies….thats where supplies and donations NEED to go. To the PEOPLE not the agencies …..Agencies are taking too long to get the things people need to them….HELP is what is needed….God needs to send people that are able to go help clean up, bring in supplies (they NEED formula and shampoo, and health products) This is a great thing you are doing Colin….but maybe a detour to that area first would be an awesome feat
AMEN!! Churches and people are who need to respond, not the gov. And they ARE. Thats also why we are going later (3 wks) and think its great that Collin is going when she is, because the “hype” will be on to the next news, and its ez for people to forget. One thing I think ppl overlook is that there is NO INCOME for so many now! Home Depot, the hospital, etc…not only did they lose everything, but there now is no money coming in either, so they continually need supplies and help!! Thank you Beth for heeding God’s call to help-to everyone, its time to rise above having GOOD INTENTIONS, and as someone painted on a roof in AL, “QUIT LOOKING START HELPING”!! praying for all of you!
Collin, I can only send a small box. My thought is that every little bit helps. I wish I could send more! Thanks for doing this amazing thing… and please tell your hubby he NEEDS to put you in for Spouse of the Year!!
Collin, First, I would like to thank you for all that you do! I have a question. Would donations of pet foods and pet food coupons be ok to send?
Nevermind, LOL. I just read the items needed and pet food is indeed listed. Thank you!!
Yep… we would sure appreciate pet food and coupon donations! Thanks so much! 🙂
Yea I am in Calhoun County Alabama and would love to help. My family and I have been helping from day one. If there is anything more I can do please let me know. Thanks to you I was able to help as much as I have been able to bc of all the great savings. Thank you
contact me at tinahorn@bellsouth.net.. would love for you to join our team.. its going to be great for the SURVIVORS f the northeast alabama area.
I know we are all into getting more bang for our buck, so… donating to Samaritan’s Purse or Salvation Army will insure a much larger percentage gets to those in need. The salaries of those in the Red Cross take a large chunk of donated funds. Just a thought.
completely agree…Samaritans purse or giving to Colllin and others who are taking it there personally!
Hi, Collin. I have the Breakstone cottage cheese coupons. Do you have that brand out in your area? Also if you are interested I have $1 off any Coppertone product coupons. It makes for free travel size at Walmart and Target. I plan to send more, but it will take me until next week. LMK Sandra
I am humbled at the support you are giving to our community for the devastating storms that took place. Thank you so much for all you are doing.
Hi Collin,
One of my dearest friends lives in Joplin. SHe is a newly wed and they lost EVERYTHING. Their home doesn’t even exist anymore! She found her dresser down the street. Had 1 drawer of skirts and 1 drawer of her husbands shirts. So far the only other thing she has found is her wedding dress (yay) and another skirt that was in a mud puddle. I think it is so wonderful what yall are doing to help out. I actually contacted http://www.mypublisher.com and they are donating a free wedding book to them! I wanted to give them credit…(I just have to make it) luckily I have her wedding pics on my computer. Anyway! Thanks again for your hard and caring work.
Collin, thank you for all of your hard work! You really are making a difference!
Dear Collin and Hip2save crew, I just wanted to say what a great job that ya’ll are doing. I live in Eclectic, Al (Elmore County) where the tornato went throw. We are one of the lucky ones we just have roof damage and trees down. But the people that lives around us can’t say that. They trying to pick up the pieces, but having a hard time. Red Cross is a joke. They told EMA here in Elmore County that they NOT going to open up a shelter because we didn’t need it. If we wanted one open we were on our on, then they left. FEMA is helping some, but they turn more people down then they help. It’s people like you that’s been helping. All I can say is THANK YOU.
I live in MEMPHIS! Please tell me what I can do to help I have LOTS of Reach toothbrushes, lol. But I could do so much more!
I live in Springfield, Mo. about 60 miles east of Joplin. I was able to donate many needed items from my couponing stockpile to Ozarks Food Harvest. They will deliver and coordinate efforts to get the items to the survivors. It truly was a blessing to me to be able to donate everything from paper products and feminine care items to pet food! My cost out of pocket was minimal compared to the value of the products. I am reminded once again why I coupon!