Goodwill Encourages Year-End Givers to Maximize Donations

As the holiday season approaches and people begin sorting through unused clothes and household items earmarked for the donation bin, Goodwill® offers the following advice when preparing items.

Donors are advised to research charitable agencies before making any form of contribution. Goodwill recommends that donors give to local charities they know and trust, posing one key question: 
What percentage of your donation will directly support the mission of the organization? The greater the percentage applied to the charity’s mission, the greater the impact your contribution will make on those served by the organization.

Colorado Springs is one of many cities nationwide where unattended collection bins are commonplace.  Although some are owned and operated by legitimate charities, many actually benefit for-profit organizations.  Donors can check online with a charity-rating agency such as GuideStar at www.guidestar.org, or with the local Better Business Bureau, to make certain they are giving to a worthy cause.

 DONATION DOs

• Separate clothing from household items using boxes or bags.
• Wash or dry-clean clothing. Keep shoes paired using a rubber band.
• Wrap breakables in newspaper and place in boxes.
• Test electrical equipment (wrap cords around items) and battery-operated items.
• Include all pieces and parts to children’s games and toys.
• Provide a clear title and keys when donating a vehicle.
• Clear computer hard drives of personal and business information. 

DONATION DON’Ts

• Do not leave items unattended outside a donation center.
• Do not donate broken or soiled items.
• Do not donate items that have been recalled, banned or don’t meet current safety standards.
  (For more information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website: www.cpsc.gov)

 Donors can visit Goodwill’s web site at www.goodwill-colosprings.org to help estimate the value of their goods.  For items worth more than $500, a qualified appraisal must accompany the claim.  Donors can also learn how their donations translate into job training for thousands in our community by entering their donations into Goodwill’s Donation Impact Calculator at www.donate.goodwill.org.

For those wanting their financial donation recorded for 2011 taxes, please keep the following in mind:

• Cash gifts must be received by 3:00 p.m. on December 30, 2011.
• All mailed checks must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2011.

Goodwill accepts clothing, household items, toys, computers/computer accessories, books, financial gifts and vehicles.  Donations are sold in eight retail centers to fund programs that help people become independent. Thanks to the community’s donations, Goodwill assisted over 64,000 individuals participating in 20 support programs during 2010.  Nearly 90% of Goodwill contributions are channeled into programs and services that directly impact those we serve.