It may seem like everyone is asking you to donate to some charity around the holiday season. Most charitable organizations push for donations more during the holiday season for a few reasons. For one, people tend to be more giving during this month. Also, most charities attempt to help out those in need during the holiday months to ensure those in need also have a good season. With so many people asking you to donate, how do you decide who to give to?
Choose a charity that is special to you Perhaps you had a grandfather or father who served time in a past war and you wish to help disabled veterans. Maybe you have a soft spot for children in need during the holiday season. Maybe you want to donate to a soup kitchen that will provide meals all year long to those in need. Donations to Purple Heart may be your ideal donation. Do your research and find which charity speaks to you the most. You will feel better about your choice if it is a charity that you really believe in.
Look for a charity that is IRS approved Charities that are approved by the IRS and government are ones that have had to go through specific audits. These audits are done to ensure that the charity is giving a large percentage of donations to the population that they are serving. You do not want to donate your money to an organization that is using the majority of their charitable donations for salaries and doing very little to help anyone.
Smart givers only support groups granted tax exempt status under section 501C3 of the Internal Revenue Code. This code means that the charity is exempt from having to pay any taxes on the donations they are given. It also means that those who provide a donation pickup will be given a tax break. The IRS requires a qualified appraisal to be submitted with your tax return if you donate any single clothing or household item that is not in good used condition or better, and for which you deducted more than $500.
Ask friends and family about charities It is likely that you will receive a lot of donation requests from family and friends who are involved with different charitable organizations, such as donations to Purple Heart. Instead of declining, find out more about their charity. This is a great way to learn about different charities in your area. It is also a great way to learn how certain charitable organizations can be assisted. Some may simply need clothes donations, while other could use volunteer work instead.
Find out which charity you could benefit most As mentioned, different charities can benefit from different types of donations. Some simply need financial donations to run. Others like donations to Purple Heart need both clothing donations and household object donations. Some charities may need donated services. Find out if your employment services can be donated to any of the local charities. Doing legal or counseling work pro bono can be extremely helpful to charities, like donations to Purple Heart.
Go through your household items It is very possible that you have multiple household items and clothing items in your house that you no longer need or want. These items can be extremely beneficial for local charities. A clothing drop off center makes it very convenient, allowing you to quickly drop your items off. This can free up space in your closets for new winter and holiday clothing items. If you live in a one to two season climate and you have not worn an item in 6 months, it is time to let it go.
People tend to be more charitable during the holiday season. They want others to have as nice of a holiday as they have. The increased amount of giving around this time might mean that you are being asked for donations from many different charities. It is important to do your research and find which charities cause is the most important to you. You will be able to provide the most benefit if you choose one or two favorite charities.