Every holiday season brings "not-quite-right" gifts into our lives. Sometimes we receive two of the same item. 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, you consider donating it to a Goodwill retail and donation center. In addition, as you clean out your closet to make room for those great new items you receive over the holidays, make sure to donate the things you no longer need 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 December 31, 2008 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.