Time running short to donate items to Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida wants to remind people there’s less than two weeks remaining for donations to be made, and claimed, on their 2010 income tax deduction.
As the year begins to run out, Goodwill’s Director of Public Relations Kirsten O’Donnell said the non-profit agency is preparing for a “rush of year-end donations,” but wants those looking to donate big ticket items to know that 2011 is right around the corner.
“We get more car donations the last two weeks of the year than we do all year long,” she said. “Cars are one thing that really picks up. There’s definitely incentive for their tax return.”
Cars are sold at Goodwill’s vehicle center on Fowler Street in Fort Myers, the proceeds of which are funneled right back into the organization’s programs and services, according to O’Donnell.
They also make the cars available through the “Four Wheels for Work” program, which offers “exceptionally reasonable” prices on cars for those without transportation.
Donations have lagged in previous years because of the economy, O’Donnell said, but have been looking up in 2010.
“It was pretty obvious people were hanging onto things a little bit longer,” she added.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, all donations to Goodwill, cash or non-cash, qualify for a federal income tax deduction. Taxpayers able to itemize their 2010 taxes can claim their donations as charitable contributions. All donations must be made by Dec. 31, in order to be eligible for 2010 tax deductions, according to O’Donnell.
The agency’s 25 stores throughout Southwest Florida will remain open and accept donations until 6 p.m. on New Years Eve.
For more information, call Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida at 995-2106.