Work colleagues saving money

[Chasingcars]

I work in an office with about 8-10 people. Usually if someone pops out for lunch, they offer to pick up sandwiches etc for other members of the team.
Lately, a few of the team have started lift sharing, so at lunchtime they are limited by having no cars and our location is quite out of town.
As i like to pop out most lunchtimes I always ask if people want anything picking up but lately as a few dont have cars, i find myself with a huge shopping iist for everyone which can take sometime to work through. If i mention i may be going past a bank, i then get lists from people to pay in cheques etc - whilst i dont mind helping people, its got to the point as im the only one that really goes out i feel like the office runner! Previously when ive asked if other people are going out, they say they are too busy and then the minute i get up i get a whole load of shopping lists. One person in particular always (very dramactially!) always seems to have left her purse at home and hasnt got any money so she couldnt possibly ask for anything and will go hungry - at first i offered to buy her lunch and she could pay be back later but then she started to forget and then i felt bad having to ask for money she owed! And its all the time now so feel like bank of mum and dad too!
Any suggestions on how i can still be polite but make my feelings clear i cant do everyones shopping all the time?! thanks

[mccfluff]

for the next week or so bring lunch to work and don;t go out at lunchtime (it may be a pain for you but i think they'll get the point. Or talk to them and basically say what you've said above

[hc4361]

Invent a poorly friend/relative you have to see at lunch times.

[mike11111]

This is rather sad. You are one of life's put-upons and are too good-natured to refuse. The fact that your reward will be in heaven, rather than on earth, is scant comfort. You come across as someone who would be very reluctant to deny a helping hand, even though you know people are taking advantage. I have no real answer to your dilemma, but as far as the lady who keeps 'forgetting' her purse, I would smile sweetly and say, "If you lend me your key I will pop round to yours and fetch it back for you".

[Chasingcars]

Thanks for all your replies. I have actually just started bringing lunch this week, mainly to try and be a bit healthier and to save a bit of money too. When i get the usual 'are you going out today', and ive said i dont need to, you would think the world was going to end! A few times, ive promptly replied with 'have you not got your car then?' and get the reply they just cant be bothered to go out as they are too busy etc etc!! Maybe i just need to be a bit tougher and not feel guilty for taking my own lunch break for me!!

[Bbbananas]

You said it cc..... x

[redcrx]

stick to it, CC, dont let them take such advantage in future. Good luck

[chazza]

Ask if anyone wants a lift in rather than if they want anything bringing back. That way they can get (and pay for) their own lunch, and pay in their own cheques