I love getting recommendations for the piece of the week. Anytime a friend is excited about something, it’s always a great idea to share. This week, my friend had a great suggestion (one that we see all the time, but I’d never think to feature.) This week’s piece is your community Smart Card.

Chances are if you know any kids, you know someone selling Smart Cards. Especially around this time of year, when school has just started back, kids are always selling something… candy bars, candles, cookies and Tupperware. Unlike household clutter and junk food that sits on your hips, The Smart Card is a useful little card that saves you money.

Here’s how it works: You purchase a card from a child at a participating school for only $12. They give you a card that provides savings from over 100 restaurants and retailers.  A few examples include Old Chicago, Shoe Carnival, Samurais and a free oil change at Firestone. Most of the offers on the card are good for a whole year, and the money you spend on the card goes towards helping local schools and the community.

Ask any parent with school aged children if they are selling cards. If you don’t know any, feel free to email me and I’ll contact someone who can sell you one. You can also order them online, but then money doesn’t benefit you community.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .