Where Can I Donate Household Items? A Guide for the Holiday Season

The leaves are changing color, temperatures are dropping, and the holiday season is right around the corner. While many people have a strong desire to give back to their community during this time of year, a lot of families aren’t sure where to donate household items.

Thankfully, there are tons of terrific places to donate all over the country, and donating gets easier and more rewarding with every passing year. These days, you can get great tax breaks when you give back, and there are even donation pickup services. Here are three fantastic ways to start helping families in need and experience the joy of giving this holiday season:

Charity foundations. There are organizations in your area that always have their doors open to accept any and all donations you can spare. Besides feeling great about yourself, consider the terrific tax breaks that come along with donating. Smart givers support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which enables you to write your donations off during tax season. Things like men’s overcoats and suits are usually worth about $60 as a tax write-off. Just make sure you get receipts for everything you intend to claim.

Clothing drop off locations. If you can’t find the actual location of a charity in your area, there is a good chance they have donation drop off boxes scattered around your community. There are usually drop off boxes right outside of supermarkets, post offices, and other similar places of business in your area. If you can find a local charity’s website, they should have your area’s clothing drop off locations conveniently listed.

Donation pickup services. It’s 2015, and you don’t even have to leave your couch to donate anymore. Some charities offer the incredible option to pick up donations directly from your home. All you have to do is gather your family’s gently used clothing, put it in a box or a bin, and wait for a member of the charity to come pick it up. It doesn’t get much easier than this.

If you’re wondering where to donate household items before the holiday season approaches, do a quick online search and find a great charity organization in your area. The benefits of donating go far beyond tax breaks, and you’ll feel proud knowing you did your part to help the less fortunate in your community. Continue your research here.