Do you provide charitable donations as often as you would like? Do you donate all of your unused and unwanted clothing items? If not, what is the main deterrent stopping you from donating often? It is likely that your answer has something to do with convenience. While most Americans agree with the act of local clothing donations for those in need, many find it difficult and inconvenient to find the time. Fortunately, you can now make donations of clothing and other needed items in an improved and convenient way.
Quick drop off centers
Most charitable organizations now allow you to simply drop your clothing items off at a designated place. This place is usually a part of the charity building, but has its own entrance. You simply drive up, drop your items, and then leave. The entire process can be completed in a matter of seconds. However, if you want to write the local clothing donations off on your taxes, you may need to stick around for a tax form. 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. Most donations are not above the $500 mark though. Clothing drop off locations can be found at almost every charitable organization center.
Local drop boxes
Local drop boxes were designed to make the donation process even easier. One of the most common boxes is the GreenDrop box. They are located conveniently by grocery stores, banks, and gas stations. Because these are places that you visit frequently anyways, you do not have to go out of your way to donate clothes. Additionally, these GreenDrop boxes keep clothing and electronics out of landfills. Each week, GreenDrop prevents about 100 items of used clothes, electronics, and household goods from being thrown into landfills. Much of this product is given new life.
Charity pickups
Depending on the amount of items you are donating, you may be able to schedule a charity pick up. When donating clothing to charity in large amounts, the organization will send out a truck to pick up the items from you. This is at no added cost to you. If you are worried about having enough items to schedule a pickup, consider bringing your neighbors in on the project. Encourage everyone to come up with donated items. Bring them to one local location and arrange for a charity pickup to come and get them. You never have to load your vehicle, drive anywhere, or lift any heavy items.
Electronic funds
Clothing donations are always needed. However, additional items are also needed, especially for donations for veterans. Some local clothing donations can be sold to raise additional funding for other expenses like medical care, shelter, vehicle costs, and travel expenses. If you do not have much in terms of clothing to donate, you can always donate funds. When donating funds, you can conveniently send the money electronically. Funds are common during the holidays, but tend to decline the rest of the year. About 43% (42.7%) of those surveyed gave more during the holidays than the rest of the year, 44.4% reported giving about the same. Donations, both local clothing donations and funding are needed year round.
Many people believe in the need of donations. Yet, many do not find it convenient to do so. We live in such a busy time, where we are constantly running from point A to point B. Donating often gets pushed to the back of our mind. There are many ways that you can increase your charitable donations that are both quick and convenient. You can take your clothing donations to a local drop off, use a drop box center, or schedule a pickup. You can also always send funds directly over the internet.
