Donating items to charity has benefits for many people. You benefit by removing unwanted items from your home and the tax deduction you receive for the donation, the charity benefits from the items you donate and the environment benefits because you did not throw your unwanted items in the trash. Although several large charities can always use your unwanted clothes, coats, home furnishings and even cars, you need to make some preparations before making your donations.
Step 1
Gather the items you want to donate. Although charities can take almost any items, only donate things that are still in usable condition. The Charity Guide website says that charities such as women's shelters desperately need used clothing because women and children sometimes have to flee abusive situations without extra clothing. Goodwill CEO Jim Gibbons estimates that for every article of clothing donated, most people have 30 more pieces of rarely-used clothing that can also be donated.
Step 2
Look for items around your home to donate other than clothing. Charities can use old computers, whether working or not. Gibbons says donating a working computer provides 5.3 hours of career counseling to a displaced worker. Consider items besides clothing to donate such as small appliances, DVDs, CDs, bikes and furniture.
Step 3
Calculate the value of the items you are donating. You need receipts from the charity to claim your donations as a tax deduction, and it helps the donation centers if you have your goods already itemized. The Oprah website advises valuing your items correctly instead of guessing, and recommends using the Internal Revenue Service Publication 561, available at the IRS website.
Step 4
Decide where you want to donate your items. You may choose the charity nearest to your home, or you might prefer to choose a charity based on its mission and track record. Some charities such as the Salvation Army have a religious mission; Goodwill Industries and others provide job training for the needy. Charity Navigator can help you evaluate and compare charities.
Step 5
Drop off the items at the donation center for your chosen charity and receive a receipt from the attendant. If items are too large, such as furniture, some charities will pick up the item for you. Call in advance if you need the charity to come pick up the items.
Member Comments