STUDENTS IN FAMILY HEALTH classes at Missouri State University-West Plains last fall used couponing strategies to purchase these items for three area agencies that provide services to individuals and families in need. With the items are Taya White, left, of Salem, Missouri, and Alex Harris, West Plains. (Photo provided)
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – It’s common knowledge among savvy shoppers that coupons will save you money in the checkout line, but 10 students in Brenda Smith’s Family Health (CFS 120) classes at Missouri State University-West Plains’ campuses in West Plains and Mountain Grove took that knowledge to a different level last fall.
The students studied coupon strategies and used what they had learned to purchase daily household supplies, hygiene items and various food items for three area agencies that help individuals and families in need.
“The purpose of the project was to study coupon strategies so they could share them with parent groups and families they would work with in their future careers,” Smith explained. “To make the study relevant, the students decided to apply these strategies to help agencies that currently work with families and children who may be disadvantaged, homeless or residents of the crisis shelters.”
Smith said the Child and Family Development Department applied for and received $500 from the university’s Annual Fund to make the purchases. They then collected coupons, purchased the items and donated their purchases to the South Central Child Advocacy Center and the Samaritan Outreach Center in West Plains, as well as the On Time Shelter in Mountain Grove. By utilizing the couponing strategies from class, the students were able to stretch the $500 they received to approximately $625 worth of items.
“It was a great learning experience, and I look forward to using it in my own life,” said student Taya White of Salem, Missouri. “I hope to be able to share couponing strategies to help others in the future.”
“The project was fun, and I would like to see it continue,” added Alex Harris, West Plains. “It was wonderful to be able to help my community with my classmates.”
Smith, Dr. Renee Moore, a professor in the Child and Family Development Department, and CFD graduate Checotah (McDaniel) Wade assisted the students with the project.
For more information about the Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development degree program or other academic programs at Missouri State-West Plains, call the admissions office at 417-255-7955. To support the university’s Annual Fund or learn more about other giving opportunities, call the development office at 417-255-7240.