Where do you donate?

[tdrshopping]

Excellent thread, actually pondered requesting something about donating as a thread. Thank you!

I spent time yesterday researching locations of where to donate items purchased for charity by shopping strategically and understanding whether these donations would be tax-deductible.

My questions - Where are people donating the food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items? And, how are receipts handled? What tips do others have in regards to obtaining receipts when donating to use for tax write-offs? When I put bags of food out for the mail carrier in May for the national food drive, can these donations be tax-deductible? Where would I find a receipt?

Of course there are churches which some are more intensively soliciting food and personal items. I found this quote which I expect includes non-food items.

Must churches be 501(c)(3) for their members’ tithes, donations, and gifts to be tax-deductible? ...No, according to attorney Marcus Owens, Washington, D.C., a former head of the IRS’ tax-exempt division, and to IRS regulations readily accessible to the public.

Other than a church, other organizations in the Nashville area include Goodwill, Salvation Army, AmVets, the Arc, and Fannie Battle Day Home who will all take clothing, home goods, and accessories. (no Deseret Industries back east) All of these are great at providing a receipt for tax purposes.

For food stuff Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest) and the Nashville Rescue Mission (part of the nationwide rescue missions). On the Nashville Rescue Mission site it describes items that are "most needed" which includes cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medications and personal care items. Do these organizations provide receipts as part of dropping goods off at their facilities? I did not see notations about accepting non-food items at the Nashville facility but I did for other sites in the country - Do not all donation sites accept non-food, essential items? My past experience donating to food banks did not include receiving a receipt. Is it appropriate to request a receipt from these organizations? What other places take food donations?

The women shelters I've contacted want cash only donations. Do others have ideas on entities taking donations of personal care items (makeup, girlie things, etc.) and cleaning materials?

[go falcons]

Sadly, though I live in wealthy county in the Atlanta metropolitan area - my county only has two organizations that really act as food banks .That fact really saddens me .
The one I give all of my food/medicine items to is called the Real Life Center,
located in Tyrone ,Ga. Though started by my church - it is supported by many churches in the area and very well run. They also run a store to help support thier community help efforts.
The other other two organizations I give all of my clothing / house hold items are two local organization which run stores that help support thier causes.
One is called Wellspring Living - which is a group that helps young women overcome difficult lives. It is amazing what this group does to impact the lives of young women.They also have facilities on the Northside of Atlanta.
The other is called The Clothes Less Traveled which supports a multitude of organizations all of which support our community in some way.

[lizandsasa]

Has anyone thought of donating to a Seminary or College? We have a seminary located in Pasadena, Cali where men commit themselves to live there for two years while doing studies. They come from other countries and leave their families behind. They live off of donations such as personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, clothing, food, etc. They live in very simple rooms nothing like a dorm. It's small with a bunk bed inside. I love donating to them as I know they appreciate it. Not that others don't but their decision and dedication to all things for God makes me want to do what I can for them. Just a thought...

[mrprice]

Originally Posted by lizandsasa

has anyone thought of donating to a seminary or college? We have a seminary located in pasadena, cali where men commit themselves to live there for two years while doing studies. They come from other countries and leave their families behind. They live off of donations such as personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, clothing, food, etc. They live in very simple rooms nothing like a dorm. It's small with a bunk bed inside. I love donating to them as i know they appreciate it. Not that others don't but their decision and dedication to all things for god makes me want to do what i can for them. Just a thought...

I love that idea! I usually donate all my stuff to my church food pantry or two three of the case managers that I work with.

[Lfwh]

We give regularly to Salvation Army (clothing etc...). I love Salvation Army. I know a few people who are members and they just do so much for people ,on their own. And I've talked to people in the community who Salvation Army has helped and I've always heard how wonderful they treat people in need.

But as far as food goes, we usually will give directly to a needy family we know or my Mother knows from her church.

[Earthelement]

I rotate between the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Amvets for donations of goods. I also send yearly monetary donations to specific non-profit organizations.

[CherryPicker]

I donate to the local food bank. They also accept HBA items which is distrbuted to homeless shelters, etc, and are grateful for anything that people can give.

CherryPicker

[Luv2Save]

I like to support my little brother in college with boxes of food and household items. In addition to giving to a shelter in my area, it is nice to see the smile on his face when he figures out that he doesn't have to buy TP or cereal for that month!

[TLC]

I have just recently started with coupon mom.

So I am still in the stocking up stage...
My youngest daughter just started living on her own, too...
so I am 'donating' to her and her family too.

Then my son is in Iraq so I send him care packages to share with others on base with him...
but once My son is home, and my daughter is stocked up also...

I am going to start donating to charities also... great ideas here

[BonneyMom]

I take any and all extras to my son at a nearby state college.

The things he doesn't want, he gives to his friends and/or neighbors. Sometimes they all get together what they have and create a big family meal to share.

College kids will eat anything and appreciate everything!