Last-minute donations: What can I give?
I can always declutter something. But rather than trash what I no longer need (so ecologically irresponsible!), I’d rather give to a charity where it can be appreciated again. And, come April 15, get a nifty little deduction too.
Goodwill and Salvation Army offer donation guides, so you know the relative value for tax purposes. Put together an itemized list so it’s easier to recall (3 women’s blouses x $2.50 is easier to deal with at tax time) and ask for a receipt. It really does add up.
Though this seems a no-brainer for end-of-year, I like to keep a pile of goods to donate going all year. I get more closet space, and when it’s convenient I can drop off a decent pile of goods. But keep it in its own designated bin or you’ll have a pile of stuff!
What you can give:
- Vehicles (vehicles and boats in all conditions)
- Clothing, shoes and boots
- Jewelry, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves
- Books, records, CDs and DVDs
- Laptops, CPUs, hard drives
- Pots and pans, glassware and dishes, utensils and servingware, small kitchen appliances
- Home decor, artwork, lamps
- Games and toys, sporting goods
- Hand tools and small power tools
- Linens, curtains, blankets and sheets
- Flat screen TVs and monitors (no CRTs)
- VCRs and DVD players
- Household items
What you can’t give:
- Large exercise equipment
- Chairs, stools, or couches, mattresses or bed frames
- Desks or office furniture
- Tables, dressers or bookcases
- Pianos or organs
- CRT TVs or CRT computer monitors
- Household chemical items and cleansers, including pesticides, paint, paint thinner and aerosols
- Automotive hazardous waste such as tires, lead-acid batteries, additives, gasoline, oils, antifreeze, etc.
- Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves/ovens, washers/dryers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, furnaces, trash compactors, water heaters, large console stereos, freon-based appliances, etc.
- Personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, nail polish remover, shaving cream, hairsprays, or shavers
- Fragrances
- Carpet or carpet padding, plumbing fixtures or building materials
- Recyclables such as glass, newsprint, office paper, cardboard, plastics, magazines, junk mail, etc.
- Weapons such as guns, bows and arrows, ammunition, etc.
- Cribs, car seats, walkers or other products that do not meet the current safety standards of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, including recalled items.
Check out your particular charity’s guidelines before heading out; Salvation Army also can schedule a pickup at your home for larger items.
Where to give?
Some of my favorite Chicagoland donation centers:
I had heard that Goodwill is actually a for profit organization. I have never looked in to that to see if it is true. I donate our stuff to the Epilepsy Foundation (they come around with a big truck and pick up curbside about every 6 weeks) and sometimes to Salvation Army. I like the convenience of the curbside pick up.
Great ideas!! We recently did a coat drive and donated them to the local mission that gives them out. It’s a blessing to help others! 🙂
What a great reminder to donate your old stuff. We donate to Goodwill several times a year and try to do more during the cold seasons with missions and shelters etc.
Great list, Thanks for the do and don’t gives!
I have been meaning to look up a list like this, you saved me so much time! Bookmarking!
FAB having all this info in one spot!! so bookmarking this for later!