With Christmas just a week away, many people are running around frantically trying to get the remaining items on their shopping lists and prepare their homes for relatives from out of town. The holidays are certainly a busy time of year, and amid all the hustle and bustle many people tend to forget what the holidays are really about. Spending time with friends and family, being grateful for what we have and helping those who are less fortunate should not be forgotten as we get ready for the big day. Even taking a little time out of our busy schedules to organize charitable clothing donations is great way to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays while helping families in need. Anyone who needs a little more incentive to go through their clothes this season to make donations for non profit organizations should consider the following benefits:
- Help Those in Need – First and foremost, clothing donations provide people who are less fortunate with essential items of clothing that they otherwise would not be able to afford. This is especially important this time of year when the cold weather is settling in and heavy winter jackets, pants and boots are the only way to keep warm all winter long. Without this critical winter clothing, people in the coldest parts of the country would freeze to death. Every item of clothing that is donated helps one more person keep war throughout the cold, snowy months.
- Save the Environment – Another important reason to donate lightly used clothing is that it keeps these items from filling up landfills. About 5% of all the garbage in our landfills consists of clothing and household textiles. Many people simply throw their clothing away when they no longer want it, but over 90% of textile waste is recyclable and could go towards helping some one in need instead.
- Tax Deductions – When you give to those in need, you get back as well. Clothing and household items that are donated are all tax deductible, giving people a nice break when they go to file their taxes in the spring. The best way to get the most accurate tax deductions is to make a list of all the items that are being donated and visiting a charitable organizations website. Many of these organizations list the approximate value of common donated items, making it easier to know exactly how much a person will get back.
There are a number of great reasons to make clothing donations to a local charity this holiday season, from helping the less fortunate and saving the environment to tax deductions. The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year, but taking the time to help others is an opportunity to truly celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Continue your research here.
