Donations & Thrift Stores
- Donate Unused Possessions. Most people have accumulated unused possessions which could be much better utilized by someone who can’t afford to buy them.
- If in Doubt about your Donation: Call the organization to which you wish to donate and make certain it is an item they want, need, and will accept.
- What to Give: furniture in
good condition; lamps; dishes; art and collectibles; toys and books in
good condition; small electrical appliances such as VCR’s and TV’s that
work; sporting goods; clothing, shoes, coats and sportswear in good
condition; clean linens without rips or stains. If you would not give
it to a friend or family member, do not put the burden of disposal on
the charitable agency.
- What to Avoid: Paints and
chemicals; large appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers;
stained, torn or damaged coil mattresses; tubs, toilets or sinks;
stained or soiled carpets; tires or rims.
- Call one of the Thrift Stores to pick up items at your home.
- Organize a service project for a charity at
your business, school, church, or in your neighborhood. Have a list of
specific items (children’s books, prescription eyeglasses, musical
instruments, women’s clothing, etc.) which they need, and to where they
will be donated. Set both a start date and an end date, and designate a
place for storing and sorting the donated items. You might also ask a
representative of the organization you are helping to speak to your
group about what the organization does, and what kinds of help are
needed.
- Organize a Community Baby Shower,
and give donations to organizations which help those in need. Ask
citizens to drop off baby items at specific store locations
(prearranged). Ask local news stations to advertise the baby shower.
- Important Tax Law Note:
Current tax laws state that you cannot take a deduction for donated
household goods, clothing, furniture, etc., unless they are in good used
condition or better. A household good that is not in good used
condition or better for which you take a deduction of more than $500
requires a qualified appraisal.
- Tax Tip: You
cannot deduct any charitable donation unless you itemize your
deductions. Be aware of important tax-law changes that became effective
in 2005. (Tom Herman, Wall Street Journal, August 25, 2013)
- Donation Value Guide. The
Salvation Army provides a list of the average prices in their family
stores for items in good condition. This list is provided for your guidance only.
http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm
- Donate new or unused items and personal skills to non-profit organizations which serve those in need.
