We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us make our dollars as valuable as possible.

Here are some deals that hopefully will stretch your dollars to the max:

1. Get Paid for Metal, Help The Pantry 

Deal: Northwest Georgia Recycling will donate to The Pantry in Douglas County and pay you for your scrap metal. The Pantry gives away free food to anyone in need. No income documents or photo identification are needed to receive food. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday for both distribution and donations.

Here's a brief list of what Northwest Georgia Recycling accepts:

• Lawnmowers
• Car batteries
• Refrigerators
• Engines
• Transmissions
• Stoves
• Dishwashers
• Fencing
• Wiring
• Sinks
• Utensils
• Keys
• Old pipe
• Air conditioners
• Heavy machinery (forklifts, etc.)
• Automotive parts
• Lead
• Appliances
• Electric motors and more  

To understand the payment rate:

• A 150-pound refrigerator is worth .10 per pound or $15
• An old broken extension cord is worth $1.10 per pound
• Old faucets are $1.60 per pound  

Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest Georgia Recycling

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, The Pantry

Locations: Northwest Georgia Recycling, 8729 South Flat Rock Road, Douglasville

The Pantry, 5960 Stewart Parkway in the Crossroads Church facility, Douglasville

Contacts: 678-715-1114, Robert Cruz, Northwest Georgia Recycling

770-217-0729, The Pantry

2. Free Hunting Classes Next Week

Deal: Free hunter education classes will be offered next week in Lithia Springs. Classes are taught by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a requirement before season hunting licenses may be purchased.

Sign up here. As of Monday, 26 places remained for the classes on Tuesday and Aug. 18 at Sweetwater Creek State Park. 

A hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a three-day Combo Hunting/Fishing License. Accepted are hunter education courses that are certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province. Also, hunter education is not required to hunt on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian. 

Besides the free classroom course, course options include a free CD-ROM course or three online courses (with varying fees). Students may request a copy of the free CD-ROM from any game management or law enforcement office.

Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Aug. 18

Location: Visitor's Center, Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road at end of Factory Shoals Road, Lithia Springs

3. Give Books, Get Free Food

Deal: Throughout August, you can receive free food at two Douglas County businesses if you donate two new or gently used books for the county's new Dog River Library. They include a free appetizer at Joe's Crab Shack or a free cupcake at Eva's Bakeshop.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., daily, Joe's Crab Shack

8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; closed, Sunday, Eva's Bakeshop and Deli

Locations: Joe's Crab Shack, 2868 Chapel Hill Road, Douglasville

Eva's Bakeshop, 6880 Douglas Boulevard, Suite D, Douglasville

Contacts: 770-947-5990, Joe's Crab Shack

770-947-8736, Eva's Bakeshop

4. Speaking of Libraries

Deal: The free annual Summer Reading Program celebration will be held Saturday morning at the Central Library near the Marietta Square. The party will include games, crafts and entertainment. 

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday

Location: Central Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta

Contact: 770-528-2330

5. More Library Book Deals

Deal: Finding inexpensive books for sale just became easier with the nonprofit Friends of Cobb Public Library System's new ongoing book sale at most Cobb library branches, including the Powder Springs Library. Sale items start at $2. Trade paperbacks are $3, and hardbacks cost $5.

"The ongoing sale allows people to purchase items even if they're not able to attend our large book sales," Sale Coordinator Patty Latch said. "It's also a great chance for people to pick up a copy of a paperback to bring with them on vacation."

While there is no projected end date for this expanded sale, it is dependent on donations. "We wouldn't have a book sale at all without the support of our donors," Latch said. "We are always accepting donations."

Book donations are tax deductible and may be dropped off at any Cobb library branch. 

Contacts: Patty Latch, 770-528-2342

Remember: You also can help military families overseas with your expired coupons through Coupon Mom's Military Coupon Program.