If you were rich, you could give to those in need without worrying about the cost. Most of us aren't, though, and some of us are barely scraping by. If that's where you are, don't stop giving to charity organizations. Instead, get creative.
Donate unwanted items
Many thrift shops use their proceeds to support rehab units, homeless shelters, churches and job-training programs and will accept donated items in good shape for resale. Animal shelters usually need lots of old newspapers and bedding. Libraries often accept like-new books for their collection or used books for resale. A children's hospital, day care center or homeless shelter that houses families may need toys. Homeless shelters may also accept clothing and household goods. Office or school supplies might be welcomed by small nonprofit offices or inner-city schools. Before you throw out anything, ask yourself who else might want it. Help others and avoid adding to landfills at the same time.
Donate food, paper goods, and toiletries
Ask local food pantries or soup kitchens what they need most, then buy it, using coupons and buy-one-get-one-free promos where possible to reduce costs. Donate surplus produce. Pregnancy centers, safe houses and other organizations need soap, toilet and facial tissues, paper towels, first-aid supplies and so on. Shop at your local dollar store. You'll be surprised at what you can find for $1.00.
Donate specific items from thrift shops or garage sales
Although my youngest child is 18, I still buy gently used baby and maternity clothes to donate to our crisis pregnancy center, as well as children's winter outerwear for our church's Christmas "Mitten Tree" and the local Salvation Army's Coats For Kids program. I especially like "$1.00 a bag" days. It's amazing how much will fit into one bag if you fold everything neatly.
Donate your trash
Does a nearby organization collect pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House? Is there a local school collecting labels for the Campbell's "Labels For Education" program or the General Mills "Box Tops for Education" program? Find out how and where to donate them and have the pleasure of turning bits of trash into support for a favorite cause, without spending an extra cent.
Donate your time
"Time is money" is not just an old saying. Nonprofit organizations that can't get volunteers must pay for labor, reducing the amount of money going to their work. Find out where you can help. Some jobs, like envelope-stuffing, computer work, laundry and cleaning donated items, can even be done at home at your own convenience.
Ernest Hemingway once said, "Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is." Don't let circumstances keep you from making a difference. Put on your thinking cap. Find your niche. Start today.
Before you donate a car to charity, you should realize that it is a little tougher than just dropping your car off at an organization. Here's how to make sure you get the tax break and the charity receives the most it can from a car. |
 | Research a charity before donating to make sure that the money you give will go to those in need instead of the charity's management. |
 | When you are searching for the best charities to give your money to, it's a good idea to check into the organization's background and history. That way, you can be confident that your donation is truly helping those in need. |
 | Starting a charity is one way to raise funds and support a cause you feel strongly about. You should follow several steps when starting a charitable organization, and proceeding in the right order and with the right knowledge is crucial. |
Would you like to know how to donate your car to help your favorite charity? It used to be that you could donate your car to charity, assign a market value to the car and deduct away. Those days are gone. |
