Want To Donate To Charity? Here Are Some Tips

What makes thrift shops and donation centers so wonderful? Well, it\’s all in the community! Americans donating gently used clothes and furniture has proven to be a phenomenon of epic proportions, creating a domino effect positively impacting the environment, multiple industries and local communities. If you\’ve found yourself browsing at these shops and wondering how you can give back, take a look below. Donating is one of the best ways of helping out people all across the country and can be done in just a matter of minutes!

How Often Do People Donate To Charity?

Donating to charity is becoming more and more popular in the United States. That doesn\’t, however, mean your donation won\’t mean anything! Over 70% of Americans give to charity on a yearly basis, adding up to 3% of the total American annual income. Thrift stores are always on the search for new items to add to their collection, eager to give back to the surrounding community and provide affordable and high-quality options for people of all backgrounds.

What Do People Donate To Charity?

There\’s no need to feel lost when thinking of what to give to a Red Cross donation center. Some of the most commonly donated items include gently used clothes, furniture, knick-knacks, movies, books and toys. Americans have been found to consume nearly 20 billion garments per year — that\’s at least 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person! At the very least, it adds up to one piece of clothing purchased per week. As you can imagine, clothing donation centers are only going to get more popular from here!

Who Benefits From Used Clothing Donations?

It would be a shorter answer to determine who doesn\’t. The year 2015 saw charity proceeds from the sale of donated goods to thrift stores exceeding a stunning $2 million, both locally and worldwide. Overall? An annual value of over $600 billion is contributed to the American economy through non-profit organizations, such as a Red Cross donation center. Industry professionals have even noticed the environmental benefits toward donating, as recycling clothing keeps necessary materials out of already overflowing landfills and puts them back into the economy.

What Other Benefits Are There?

Want to save some money? Keep your receipts! Your donation to any given charity is actually tax deductible for the value of the items you donate. This can mean a three-piece suit or a coffee maker, totaling up to $20 to even $50 depending on the location. Even a cleaner home can see your mental and emotional state improving — psychologist studies have recently found links between cluttered environments and depression-like symptoms. As the saying goes, doing good feels good.

Where Should I Get Started?

It\’s time to do a little spring cleaning in the cold season. Any gently used clothes (no tears or holes) are prime contenders for a Red Cross donation center, as are shoes, accessories and knick-knacks. If you have any furniture you no longer want, check your Red Cross donations policies on what they\’re looking for. The American National Red Cross is the 13th largest American charity as ranked by private donations and has received over $685 million in donations in a single year alone. Are you ready to give back to your community?