People often wonder how they can help out in their community or feel they have nothing to give the less fortunate. However, Joni Meyer-Crothers has found a unique way to do just that and more all by clipping coupons. Her mission is to "pass the blessing on." But she never imagined it would land her on the hit show TLC's "Extreme Couponing." Their episode is set to air this Wednesday on June 8 at 9:30pm.
When TLC contacted the Sylvania mom to appear on the hit show, she thought it was a prank being played on her by her daughters. However, after hanging up the phone and receiving an e-mail from the producers of the show, Joni learned someone from her church had nominated her.
The film crews recently followed the family around in a Sylvania Kroger where they paid only sales tax for thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. All of the merchandise was donated to Sylvania Area Family Services, Sylvania Senior Center and Paws and Whiskers Animal Shelter.

Joni and her family starting looking for ways to save money after her husband was laid off work. Joni was working full time and spending alot of time gathering coupons and grocery shopping. One day she sent her husband, Jamie to the store with a list, a thick stack of coupons, and a twenty dollar bill. Clutching the twenty dollar bill in his hand, he watched the total price climb and climb and then almost disappear. He was so amazed he still had change while he walked(with a bragging strut) out the the store with a cart heaping full of groceries! Jamie was sold on the idea of Extreme Couponing. Now he's just as excited and involved with couponing as Joni is.
The family of nine typically spends less than $200 each month on about $5,000 worth of groceries all while "passing the blessing on."
This is not something the Crothers did just for the show. This is something they do on a regular basis. Each week the family gathers coupons, shops, and donates! Joni has also since starting teaching local coupon classes continuing her mission to "pass the blessing on." She asks that everyone who attends a class that they bring five items to donate. The items are then donated to a food bank in the town where the class is being held.
The class focuses on where to find coupons, how to efficiently use coupons, understanding the different store policies, the benefits of stockpiling, helpful on-line coupons sites, and how to organize coupons. She also challenges everyone to pickup four extra items to donate to a local food panty or shelter. There's also fun giveaways such as a special coupon binder, Thirty One Gifts from Andrea Brouwer, and more!
This Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30pm the family is hosting a viewing party and would like to invite the community.They have a TON of awesome giveaways donated from the community! The party will be held at The Boulevard Church of Christ, 7041 Sylvania Avenue in Sylvania. They were contacted by Sylvania Area Family Services and their summer program is in desperate need of snacks and drinks, so they are asking everyone that attends to PLEASE BRING a snack item (i.e. Cheez-its, cookies, crackers AND a large jug of juice or individual juices). For more information please go here.
To schedule a class near you, please contact Joni at crothers8@aol.com.
You can also find out more information on Joni's blog and be sure to follow her on Facebook! She's always posting very valuable information such as items you can get for free each week!
