Donating to Charity...

[jgleason]

A few links for those feeling the need to give...

American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/)

Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/)

Soldiers Angels (http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/Operation_Katrina_Soldiers_Relief_Fund.php)

[Sponsored Links]

[dufus]

When giving to the American Red Cross, it's important to check with your employer to see if they match your donation. My company does match 100% of any donation I make to the American Red Cross for such relief efforts.

[jgleason]

I've got a used vehicle that I was planning on selling (1998 Mercury Villager). I'm thinking of donating it instead. There are a lot of "donate a car" places out there but this one appears to be one of the best ways to donate a vehicle.

http://www.800charitycars.org

Has anyone ever donated a car? Happy with the result? If you don't feel like sharing the info publicly, feel free to PM me. I'm looking to make the biggest impact I can with what I've got available to give. Any advice is welcome.

[cx]

Well, it's prolly cheatin', Lance, but now I wish I'd sent my dinero to you to donate, so we'd get another buncha matching dinero from your boss. :)

[Davestone]

There's one in every crowd! :bow: :)

[bbcamp]

While you've got your checkbook warmed up, don't forget about our animal friends. (http://www.hsus.org/)

Thank you!

[Marge]

I mentioned in another thread that I work with a Natl Charity. A suggestion was made today for people who are skeptical of large organization donations. If you log onto radio/television station websites for areas housing evacuees, there is generally a ton of info on how to help. Many of the schools accepting new students need school supplies and some areas are still accepting clothing, etc. An example is this station in Texas:

KFDM.COM

Marge

[TJ]

I wonder if any of the charities would take the cars themselves and give them to victims in need of transport. Donating them for auction is nice, but there are people who really need a way to travel. My car is older, and I planned on running it til it died. But it's enough to get someone to temporary housing.

[jgleason]

Hi TJ,

The link I gave for Charity Cars will either get your car to a needy family or auction it. Unfortunately, you don't get a choice, they determine if your vehicle fits any of the needs they have and if not it gets auctioned off. Kind of sucks.

I know if I sell my vehicle myself that I can get between $3,500-$4,500 for it (Blue Book is $4,500). If I donate it and it gets auctioned, the dollar amount to charity will be less. I really am trying to maximize the amount I give so I am trying to sell it myself for now and will then donate the proceeds to my favorite charities. If I don't get a buyer by the end of the month I'll probably end up donating the vehicle to Charity Cars.org

[Marge]

I forwarded your posts to our Mississippi coordinators (a prime area for us right now) who are in contact with the powers that be and other charitable groups in that particular area. I just heard back that they will try to find out the best way to handle a vehicle transfer to an evacuee (and thousands lost their cars). Right now logistics seem to be tough. There was evident frustration in that communication about coordination of efforts. I was also asked to convey how much YOUR efforts are appreciated. To quote "we look around at the devastation and feel overwhelmed. Then we hear from you (our contact, not me) and are overwhelmed at how many people care and will help. It lifted us today."

Will let you know when we hear.

Marge

[LadyGodiva]

AMVETS called today asking for donations in the line of clothing, shoes, blankets, towels etc. for the hurricane victims. I went through my closet and found a lot of stuff that I hadn't even used yet! It sure felt good to get half that stuff out of my house.

Only thing is though that I was wondering if they'll really get it to the people. I was under the impression that organisations like this usually sell their stuff in a thrift store.

[Marge]

Sorry to be so long in replying, but wanted to get facts and not rumor.

Our contacts have confirmed that most of the car charities are not currently guaranteeing vehicle delivery to evacuees. A number of local churches in MS/LA/TX are working with individuals with hands on donations (clothing/food/cars/etc) and these ARE getting into needy hands. The catch is getting the vehicle delivered and the questionability (is that a word?) of being able to claim a tax deduction. It was suggested that if individuals wished to donate in this regard, google churches in an area and make direct contact. Some of the radio/TV station websites list those that are participating.

The scams have definitely started, unfortunately, so please be cautious if you desire to go this direction.

Marge

[jgleason]

Thanks Marge. Will definitely be cautious as I try to get this done. I'm hoping to sell it outright and use the proceeds to make a nice cash contribution to the charities that my wife and I can agree on. The tax benefit will be nice but that isn't the primary motivation.

[TangoCharlieOscar]

What about all those tradesmen/women (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, TILE SETTERS) that lost all their tools/equipment. Anybody here about any organizations taking donations for new tools? Or, maybe they were able to load up their trucks when they made a run for it?

Tim

[Marge]

Lady G,
It's hard to say. Some orgs that normally produce revenue through thrift stores ARE doing some hands on distributions right now. We are in uncharted territory with this event and seeing things we would not normally expect. Most of it good.

Tim,
The powers that be here might be the ground floor for opportunity in helping in the arena you discuss.

Marge

[sandbagger]

.....Has anyone ever donated a car? Happy with the result? If you don't feel like sharing the info publicly, feel free to PM me. I'm looking to make the biggest impact I can with what I've got available to give. Any advice is welcome.yes - about 4 yrs ago (actually it was a motorcycle). but the rules have changed and the IRS has gotten nasty on valuation rules to the point that vehicle donations are way down from before the change. (someone is bound to say thinking about my tax benefits here is a bit callous, but the fact is that the less of my money those SOBs get the more I can help)

if you were closer to the disaster area I'd suggest looking for a local charity or church that is helping folks who've made it to your community. (you can't give it directly and get any credit)

fwiw - I'm no tax guy (know just enough to be dangerous) but I'm thinkin' the max benefit all around is to sell it outright and donate the cash. and no way the IRS can muck it up. :yeah:

[LadyGodiva]

Be careful who you donate to and what you donate.

I was told by AMVET that they were collecting for Hurricane Katrina victims, so I gathered up towels, sheets, kitchen items, clothing, shoes etc. and did a separate donation for them through AMVET and also donated furniture and small appliances to AMVET. They were supposed to be picking up two donations, one for them one for the hurricane victims.

The driver said today that it's a scam and to report them because it is NOT true. The stuff goes to them and not to anyone else! I'm pissed off now. :bang:

[Marge]

Lady G,

I am sorry to hear about that but I was concerned. So many groups are using this disaster. :(

Marge

[sandbagger]

Be careful who you donate to and what you donate.....
good advice anytime anywhere.

I pretty much cut with United Way back when they got slammed for paying super salaries to some of their execs. The separation became final when they pulled their little deal with the Boy Scouts.

you really do have to exercise a little dilligence, especially with regard to local groups. that starts with making sure they have all the requisite docs filed to make them a legitimate charity (ie, tax-deductible). Amazing how many of these groups start the process and never quite finish it - putting you at risk of a penalty for claiming deductions to a non-charity.

times like these just amplify the problem because they play on everyone's "compassion." :(

[LadyGodiva]

I give to Salvation army, and used to give to United Way as well then like you, I gave them the shaft. I give to Prevent blindness, AMVET (though I still have to call and complain about this hurricane scam), and Catholic Charities. I guess some people get greedy, but it doesn't mean we have to feed them.

Sometimes I go directly to the churches and ask if any families out there need stuff. I've given an entire dining room set (it was old but still in decent shape) to a Mexican family. They were living here legally but didn't have enough money to buy chairs, so they concentrated on beds. Didn't get a tax break, but I got a blessing from the old lady and that made me happy :nod: