Aldi Giving Back To School Event (Madame Deals Media)

This post was sponsored by Madame Deals Media and Aldi stores. I received a $25 gift certificate for participation.

The kids going back to school has been a new thing for me within the last few years. I missed Brad's first few years of primary education because he was living with his father in another county and city. I wasn't there for him, like a mother was supposed to be. I been doing the school thing for the past 4 years. From ARD/IEP meetings to interesting school supply lists for special needs kids. I don't usually buy school supplies until the first few weeks of school because the sped lists are different from the regular lists. Brad hasn't got a list yet and it's the second week of school. Kalen's teacher sent a list at the end of school last year and another one, last week, because Kalen tore up the first one.

From experience, I know how difficult and how expensive school supplies can be. I am still on the hunt for construction paper because most stores, I have been to, sold out. Aldi and Madame Deals Media have teamed up to provided school supplies for children, who need them. Since I didn't start buying supplies until this week (for my kids and this campaign), I missed out on a few crucial supplies, I wanted for this blog campaign. I did find some hidden goodies throughout the store.

First, I bought a lunch bag for kids, who carry their lunches or snacks to school. I also bought pens and highlighters. Next, I found some adorable socks for a young kid. (You don't want that phone call that your child forgot to wear socks to school or he wore mismatch socks because you didn't feel like dealing with a meltdown call).

I also bought a small water bottle, 2 bottles of hand sanitizer, and some ziplock bags. Finally, I bought a Kindergarten activity book to help improve learning skills. The total was a little over $30 dollars but I loved my finds.

I also will add a few supplies, I bought for my kids, but found out later, the supplies was not on the list.

I will give the bag to the special needs class at my church next week (since I am going out of town this weekend. Going back to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio).

Back to School Campaign (Madame Media Deals)

I participated in the back to school campaign from Madame Deals Media. The BTS campaign was also sponsored by Campus Book Rentals.

Campus Book Rentals is a company that offers students up to 90% off their textbooks! It not only allows students to save money, it helps students make money by providing services for students to rent out their textbooks to other students. Campus Book Rentals has been around since 2007, and continues to help students live a more affordable life. Campus Book Rentals is proud to sponsor such an amazing pay it forward event!

I received $25 dollars on my PayPal Card (love my paypal card) to purchase supplies. I bought my supplies yesterday from my favorite store, HEB, making sure not to go over because my pay pal card, only had $34 dollars. I can go over but not too much over.

My costs of Items:

Scissors: 1.97

Pencils .97

Pink Eraser .59
Pens (2 packs) 1.98
Crayola Crayons (2 packs) 1.00
Highlighters .99
Pencil Pouch 2.45

Water colors 1.08

Color Pencils. 50
School Glue .50
Clear, plastic folders (3) 1.50
Notebook. College ruled paper. (2) .40
Notebook Wide ruled Paper (2): .40
Note book .20
College Ruled paper .82
Wide Ruled paper .82
Multi method primary paper 1.79
Backpack $5
Total: $24.91 before Taxes.

I am not sure what I saved on supplies, since I bought groceries too. All of it was on the same receipt. I saved 19.76 total but not sure how much was groceries and how much was school supplies. I do know that supplies at the grocery store was cheaper than the supplies I got at Wal-Mart last week.

My idea for giving away the supplies:

I don't go anywhere, except Church, the store, and appointments for the kids, but wanted to participate in the campaign. The best place I can help a child, without going through too much trouble to get there (since I have no car) is church.

When I went to church on August 4th, I discussed this campaign with Brad's special needs teacher. Kim should know of one kid, who needs supplies. If she did not, I would have spoken to the director of the children's department. For me, when I have something to give away, I think of the church first or craigslist. Since joining my church a year ago, I have given baby food, clothing, ipad cases, formula, etc, without expecting anything in return. My family also has been blessed with clothes from the church. I love a good hand-me down. Shoot, I love a bad hand-me-down, because I can alter it or use it for cleaning or arts and crafts (when I do them. Bought some tye dye supplies from WallyWorld recently, but have not used them yet).

The Special Needs Class stuck out because sometimes, SPED Parents, are low on funds. I know I am, but my kids got everything they need for the month. Ms. Kim said bring the backpack filled with supplies on Sunday and we will give it to a random kid in Brad's class. Yay, that was a good idea.

Now sometimes when you get a good idea, it is best to keep that good idea to yourself. As I mentioned on Perfect Chaos, A relative wanted me to keep the supplies for my kids, even though they don't need them. I bought Brad a few supplies during the first week of August. I also buy supplies as needed. From what I learnt, since Brad moved to Texas, do not buy supplies until the teacher or assignment specifically asks for them. In addition to sometimes the SPED classes gets a modified list. After all, my child do not need to work with sharp scissors, let alone need a pen or highlighter to do his work. Brad is still in that crayon, marker, and glue stage. Kalen starts school next year, but will be in pre-k for developmental disabilities plus head start. Anyway, on Sunday, I gave the bag of supplies, plus two brand new toothbrushes to Brad's teacher at church. I don't know who ended up with the bag, but I was glad to help.