A survey performed by the Mall of America recently asked more than 500 consumers how they plan to handle the #back-to-school #shopping season, finding that more than half (51%) will focus on deals rather than labels when making purchase decisions. Three out of 5 (61%) say they plan to spend less this year due to economic concerns, though a greater majority (70%) estimate their spending will be in the $100-$499 range. And even in the days of AI-fueled bargain-hunting, the vast majority of respondents said they would do at least some of their shopping in person at a physical store. #BackToSchool #Inflation
Tag: clothing donations
When It Pays to Wait on Back-to-School Shopping
The early bird doesn’t necessarily get the worm when it comes to #back-to-school #shopping, says Go Banking Rates. Plan on hitting the stores right before school starts, says consumer finance expert Austin Kilgore, to take advantage of retailers’ clearance prices. “It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes there are supplies on the list that kids won’t need right off the bat,” he says. “If you can wait to purchase one of these, clearance sales usually begin right after school starts. And with so many different start dates, it pays to keep your eye out for these sales.” #BackToSchool #Inflation
Five Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
With #tariffs increasing costs on a wide variety of essentials, many parents are wondering how to stretch their back-to-school dollars — 85%, in fact, according to U.S. News & World Report. Mom.com offers five ways to save this season: Shop back-to-school sales and clearance racks for kids’ clothing, but concentrate on the basics at larger retailers because better discounts may be on the way. State sales tax holidays can help save, especially on high-dollar items such as computers. But perhaps the best way to save is to go used at a clothing swap, consignment store or thrift supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org. #BackToSchool #Inflation
Your Donations Fuel Veteran Advocacy
This week, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is hosting its National Convention in New Orleans, La. Representatives from chapters across the country will join to listen, learn about the issues facing veterans and strategize the next steps for the organization.
Like conventions in other industries and nonprofits (you may have been to one yourself), VVA’s will feature committee meetings, guest speakers, opportunities to break bread and socialize, and more. The difference with VVA? Everything is done in #service to #veterans.
Formed to support #Vietnam veterans in 1979, VVA now serves as an #advocate for veterans of all eras. With members having returned to U.S. soil with something less than a hero’s welcome, its motto is, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”
One of VVA’s most important missions is to ensure that all veterans and their dependents can access the #benefits guaranteed to them by the government. Its veteran service officers (VSOs) are deployed throughout the country to assist with claims.
The organization also educates service members and the public about the issues many veterans struggle with, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health, chemical dependency, homelessness, physical disability, and exposure to Agent Orange and other toxics.
It’s a precarious time for veterans’ benefits. The slash-and-burn tactics the administration is using in pursuit of government efficiency could leave many veterans and their families struggling to access critical health care, housing assistance and other resources — and soon.
That makes VVA’s advocacy — and this year’s convention — even more critical to the people who have bravely served the nation. VVA will need to defend and justify its work even more fiercely to cope with cuts to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staffing and funding. And we can’t do this alone.
Your #generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org help fund everything we do — from the most informal morning coffee at a rural chapter to the high-level testimony VVA officials bring to the VA and Congress, your generosity and concern fuel our action. On behalf of America’s veterans, we thank you.
How Much Sun Is Too Much Sun?
With #summer heat arriving early, you have probably already found find yourself doing more in the sun this year. Whether you are a sun-worshipper or an air-conditioning aficionado, it pays to know how much sun is too much sun.
Everyone needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, Johns Hopkins says, which aids calcium absorption and builds bone density. “But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes and immune system” as well as skin cancer.
Much depends on a person’s complexion. Those with pale complexions and light eyes have less melatonin in their systems — the pigment that causes tanning. As a result, the amount of direct sunlight they can endure without damage or sunburn can be as little as 10 minutes.
People with darker complexions tend to have more natural protection against UV rays, and may be able withstand exposures of up to 60 minutes without protection, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regardless, everyone should be careful to limit exposure.
Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed areas is a good start. Blocking sunlight is the ultimate protection; you can cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses whenever possible.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; a good rule of thumb is to seek shade if your shadow is shorter than you are. Awnings, tents and trees can help. You can also carry your own shade in the form of an umbrella, but remember that surfaces such as pavement, sand and water can reflect UV rays upward.
Look for lightly used, lightweight clothing, hats, umbrellas, and other seasonal accessories at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
Warm weather makes for #summertime fun. But be aware of how much direct sunlight you can safely handle, and take the appropriate steps to protect your skin and eyes from excessive UV exposure whenever you go out. It’s important to your health!