Well, it's here - the Day After Christmas. And as you arise from your Christmas-Cookie-Induced coma, it's time to figure out where to store all of those new gifts.
This is a great time to purge your attic, garage, basement and closets to make room for all of your new "stuff" and still get a tax deduction for 2013.
If you have made the decision to make a little more room, where can you donate items that you no longer want or need and make a difference in someone else's life?
Clothing
We all know about Goodwill, the Salvation Army, AMVETS and Purple Heart. These are great organizations that turn your donations into funding for their programs. Goodwill and the Salvation Army have numerous sites throughout the city and counties. AMVETS and Purple Heart will pick up donations at your door step.
Two programs that you may not know about are Success In Style and Suited to Succeed. These organizations are seeking donations of business attire. They assist those in crisis in getting jobs and better paying employment. They counsel individuals on interviewing skills and then outfit them with appropriate business attire.
Pet Donations
The Baltimore Humane Society and the Harford Humane Society are always looking for donations. Pet food is a big need for their Community Pet Food Pantry. They also are in need of items you may not think of such as blankets, towels, cleaning supplies and office supplies.
General Donations
Craigslist is great for selling things but is also great for giving away things. They have a Free Section on the site. You can post your items and have someone pick them up.
In the same vein, you can also post items on Freecycle.org. You must be a member of Freecycle to post. This a great site for giving away anything you can imagine. Both of my kid's bikes were procured through Freecycle. Cost to me? $0.00!!
Now if you still don't know what to do with something and can't figure out where to take it, consult Donation Town. They have compiled a comprehensive list of local and national charities that will pick up your donation. Their goal is to make donating easier.
If you have a suggestion for a charity or cause about which you are passionate, please leave a comment below.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year!!
Alex
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