When we hear of solicitations, chances are our mindset would be to give away old clothes or canned goods just to say that we made a charitable act. But while this is something generous of us, it may be wise for us to use logic at times. Old clothes still have categories and this includes “still usable”. These days, people forget about this important necessity. We stock up old clothes and put them in sacks since we cannot use them. But before we placed them there, we already have an idea on whether they can still be used or not.

Old clothes are a big help to the needy. But apparently, we cannot discount the possibility of giving away clothes that are good as trash. Since we donate them, people receiving them do not have a choice of selecting and make do with what we can give. But personally, we should take out the clothing that are no longer usable.

Canned goods can be in any form. The normal ones we give out are the cheap ones such as sardines. For a couple of extra bucks, perhaps we can add something different like perhaps milk or something healthy. If all the poor people had to live on sardines, imagine at the level of help they can get.

All I am saying is that when you give to charity, mean it. It is not about taking something out of the closet or the kitchen cabinet to say you did a good deed. We are giving to people as well. Just imagine how you would feel if you were in their shoes.

Categories: Activities, Analysis, Charities, Fundraising, Ideas, Products, Tips | Tags: canned goods, charity, donations, old clothes

Leave a Comment

With the hard times upon us, no one is spared from the hardships of earning a living and surviving in this world. With that said, you have to wonder if religious organizations and charities need the aid of security protection as well as with their open “door policy”, practically anyone can come in.

The churches have had the benefit of being watched over and it would not be surprising if charities would follow suit. It would not be surprising if evil eyes would monitor charity organizations and their activities since we all know that money comes to them from the free will and voluntary acts of citizens aiming for a good cause. Has humanity lost its mind in targeting the religious and goodwill organizations as well? It really should not be surprising.

For one, there are people who are becoming desperate these days. They need money to survive and feed their families. Bad or good, the only important thing for them right now is providing. If they can get away with it, then it would be good for them. But in case they don’t, well at least they tried. They would live a better life in prison with full meals would they not?

The mentality seems to be deranged. But the fact is that unless something subtle comes up, people are always at the edge of their seats. They continue to hope and pray but apparently most of them are unanswered. So with that in mind, the only thing left right now is to protect the organizations operating for a good cause. Now that is something we never thought would be seen before.

Categories: Analysis, Charities | Tags: Charities, crisis, donations, economy, security

Leave a Comment

People having disabilities are sights to which anyone’s heart will surely go out to. A lot of them can be seen all throughout the world, particularly in Africa, the Philippines and Vietnam. Being in their state was not made by choice but rather by fate. Fortunate people who care enough would give the necessary support and capable sponsorship to extend their helping hands towards them. People cannot simply claim that it is these victims who choose not to do something to rehabilitate their current stature.

True that it fattens the heart to be able to help people in need. This is why people who do charity work and worthy causes would rather do something good for the benefit of the lesser fortunate people. The rewards may not be measured in terms of financial or objects, but all the same, it is providing assistance and support that matters above all.

There are some things that are simply immeasurable and intangible that people would prefer and this is usually doing something wholeheartedly without anything tangible in exchange.

Categories: Disabled | Tags: causes, charity, Disabled, donations

Comments Off

There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Categories: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: charitable-organizations, charity, donations, Wherever the Need

Comments Off

Were you aware that not all contributions are “tax deductible”? Just so that you don’t get an unpleasant surprise after you donate larger sums of money, it pays to understand the mechanics of this.

For starters, know the difference between “Tax Exempt” and “Tax Deductable”

“Tax exempt” does not necessarily mean “tax deductible.” A tax exempt organization is one that does not have to pay income taxes. Contributions made to certain tax exempt organizations may be deductible on the donor’s federal income tax return. While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines more than twenty different categories of tax exempt organizations, contributions to groups in only a few of these categories are tax deductible.”

According to the Better Business Bureau, there are more tips to keep in mind when you contribute to a worthy cause. Here are some of them:

1. Contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually paid or delivered. Pledges are not deductible until the year in which they are paid.

2. The value of volunteer time or services to a charitable organization is not deductible. However, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to voluntary service are usually deductible.

3. Contributions for which the donor receives a gift or other kinds of benefits are deductible only to the extent that the donation exceeds the value of any benefit received by the donor.

4. Direct contributions to needy individuals are not deductible. Contributions must be made to qualified organizations in order to be tax deductible.

5. Contributions made directly to foreign organizations are not deductible, except in the case of some Canadian organizations as specified in an agreement with that country. Also, donations to charities located in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. possessions are deductible. Such organizations must meet the requirements for exemption under the income tax laws of the United States.

6. The “fair market value” of goods donated to a thrift store is deductible as long as the store is operated by a charity. To determine fair market value, visit a thrift store and check the “going rate” for comparable items. One cannot take a deduction if the goods are sold on a consignment basis whereby the original owner gets a percentage of the final sales price.

7. Donated property may generally be deducted at the fair market value of the property at the time of the contribution. However, there are special rules for the donation of cars and other vehicles. Also, in certain situations, additional details concerning the property’s worth may need to be filed with the IRS in order to make a deduction on your federal income tax forms. Also, gifts of appreciated property are subject to special rules. See a financial advisor for additional details.

Categories: Charities, Organizations, Tips | Tags: better-business-bureau, charity, contributions, donations, tax-deductable-donations

Comments Off