Why You Need A Budget
Let’s be honest. The majority of Americans — 60% — don’t know how much money they spend in a month. They also have little idea where their money...
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By: WEOKIE Federal Credit Union on Nov 6, 2024
When we think of giving to charity, our minds often drift to the idea of clicking the “donate” button online. However, giving back can take many different forms, and some of the most impactful donations don’t involve money at all. Donating our gently-used items can really make a difference.
It’s likely that you’ve donated items before — maybe a few bags of clothes dropped off at a local church, or a bundle of canned goods handed over at a food drive. But there’s so much more you can do with the stuff that’s just gathering dust at home. (Just remember that if you’re going to itemize your taxes and want your donation to qualify for a tax deduction, make sure your donation is to a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit, and that you snag that receipt!)
Here’s a breakdown of the best places to donate your unwanted goods, from clothing to furniture — even that treadmill you haven’t touched in years.
Clothing is one of the most commonly donated items, and for good reason. As much as 92 million tons(!) of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills every year. If you’ve outgrown your wardrobe (literally or figuratively), your gently-worn clothes could help someone land a job, stay warm during the winter, or simply feel a little more confident.
Maybe you’re redecorating, downsizing, or just ready to part with that oversized china cabinet (and, ahem, all the china) that’s been in the family for years. Large furniture items can be a hassle to deal with, but they’re also in high demand — thankfully, the places listed below will often pick-up your unwanted items at no charge, just call your local branch to ask.
Kitchen items, bedding, and small household goods may seem insignificant, but they can make a world of difference to someone who’s just starting over in a new place.
If your bookshelves are overflowing or you’ve recently upgraded your tech and are no longer using that old laptop, consider donating these items to help educate and empower others.
Sometimes, the best way to give is to go straight to the source. If you know someone in your community who is struggling, consider offering your unwanted goods directly.
That Feel-Good Feeling When You Donate
When it comes to giving back, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Wherever you choose to donate your unwanted goods, every little bit helps. And you’re not just helping people in need — you’re also giving yourself an emotional boost! There’s a documented happiness boost we get when we help others, explains certified financial planner Jennifer Luzzatto, president of Summit Financial Partners. Giving back increases our endorphins and our self-confidence, Luzzatto says — and the positive effects can be even greater when we get our whole family in on the action. “This is especially good for children, because their parents are not only modeling giving, they’re also inspiring them to think about the life situations of others,” Luzzatto says. In other words, once you’re done cleaning out the closet, it’s time to check the toy box and the basement, too.
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