Don’t ‘re-gift,’ donate it to Goodwill instead
Every holiday season brings “not-quite-right” gifts into lives. Sometimes two of the same items are received. Sometimes a gift doesn’t fit. Sometimes it simply isn’t our taste.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida asks that instead of “re-gifting” that not-quite-right item, consider donating it to a Goodwill retail and donation center. In addition, as closets are cleaned out, there is room for those new items received over the holidays. Donate the things no longer needed to Goodwill, where they will be re-sold to help people with disabilities and other disadvantages.
“Cleaning out your closet is an easy way to invest in your community and, at the same time, get a tax break,” says Jennifer Swift, Vice President of Retail and Operations for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida “A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding what to do with your stuff is to ask yourself if you have used the item in a year. We like the saying, ‘If you don’t use it, lose it to Goodwill.’ “
Because Goodwill is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations to Goodwill qualify for a deduction on your federal income taxes.
Taxpayers able to itemize their 2008 taxes will likely be able to claim their donation as a charitable contribution. However, donations must be made by Dec. 31 in order to be eligible for a 2008 income tax deduction.
Goodwill accepts donations of new and gently-used clothing, household items, furniture and even cars. Proceeds earned from the resale of donated items at Goodwill’s Retail and Donation Centers are used to support Goodwill’s programs and services, including six Job-Link offices, twelve apartment complexes for people with disabilities and for low-income seniors, the Four Wheels for Work vehicle assistance program, and a charter school for students with developmental disabilities, the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida builds lives, families, and communities – one job at a time by helping people with disabilities and other barriers to employment discover and develop their full potential through work and career development services.
For a complete list of Goodwill’s locations and hours, visit: www.goodwillswfl.org. For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, you may call 995-2106.