‘Extreme Couponer’ Joni Meyer-Crothers saves money, helps others in need

Joni Meyer-Crothers, Sylvania, Ohio's "extreme couponer," has become a bit of a money-saving celebrity, thanks to her frequent appearances on shows like TLC's Extreme Couponing, The Today Show and Rachael Ray.

The mom of seven uses her impressive shopping skills not only to feed her family for mere pennies, but to help others in need.

"Every time she has a class, whether it's here or if it's local, the food comes back to us. For one of the Extreme Couponing shows she did, all the food came to us," Dottie Van Drieson, social services coordinator at Sylvania Area Family Services, told the Toledo Free Press. "She's been very kind and generous to our organization. It really helps us. At times when our pantry is getting low, she brings in food and we're able to feed 10 to 20 families with what she brings in."

Last weekend, Meyer-Crothers helped fill six trucks with food and supplies for families hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

"Its very hard for me to watch it because its home to me. Twenty years ago me and my kids were hungry," she told 13abc. "We live in the United States and there's devastation. We can't let our brothers and sisters be hungry, we can't let little kids be going through the garbage."

This coming Black Friday, Meyer-Crothers and a team of like-minded couponers will shop for local families in need. Last year, they donated $10,000 worth of items — they paid just $2,000 for them — to needy families in their community.

"It's exhausting, but the more deals you get, the more excited you get, and the purpose of giving back pumps you right back up," Vanessa Barker, a member of Meyer-Crothers' "coupon-tourage" told CNN. "Plus, a little bit of coffee keeps you going."

Meyer-Crothers also teaches couponing classes — and offers tips and highlights deals on her blog — helping others learn to slash their own grocery bills.