Giving Options for making a Charitable Donation

            “I wish I could do more to help,” is something most of us have uttered when viewing one of those commercials that show hungry children, abused pets, homeless veterans, or abused senior citizens. We automatically think of giving money and how our strict budgets just don’t allow for anything to spare, but there are actually many ways to make a charitable gift that don’t involve cash. In the event of a recent death in the family, for example, you or someone close to you might find that you are left with an extra car, RV, motorcycle, or boat that you no longer need. Did you know that you can donate it to charity either online, or by fax, phone or even via mail in a couple of easy steps?

There are many different circumstances that leave people with belongings they no longer need: books, furniture, clothing, collections, and property, even life insurance can all be donated to charity! Or, for those who invest regularly, it is also possible to donate stocks and mutual funds and even receive tax breaks or benefits in exchange. A good charitable organization will be able to find a use for just about anything you wish to donate, so there’s no longer any reason to feel that you can’t donate just because you don’t have extra cash.

Donating one’s time, energy, or expertise are also some good alternatives to donating cash. There are innumerable opportunities to donate your time and energy by volunteering; or if you possess professional training such as a doctor, counselor, attorney, tailor, mechanic, teacher, or even a small business owner, you can donate your services. After the terrorist attacks of 911, for example, many professionals donated their services to the families of victims. After Hurricane Katrina there were several thousand good people who donated their time and energy to help repair and rebuild homes, schools, businesses, and churches as well as helping collection and delivery efforts. But you don’t have to wait for disaster to strike – there are likely to be programs in your area that need volunteers and services for children, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

No matter who or where you are, and no matter what you have or do not have, there is someone who needs your help and there is something you can donate. Instead of cringing when you see commercials or billboards for charity, hold your head up high and give yourself the gift of being able to say, “I am helping!”

Charitable Gifts made Easy and Giving Options Aplenty

Providing support and relief for southern Louisiana residents since the 1890s, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans is everything you’re looking for in a charitable organization. They offer the maximum tax deductions available, can help you structure your donation to receive specific tax benefits, and are an Officially Recognized IRS 501 (c) (3) Charity, so all donations are secure. VOAGNO also handles the preparation and or legwork for you, so donating is usually a quick and simple process. To learn more about Volunteers of America giving options and volunteer programs in the Greater New Orleans area, visit www.voagno.org or call (504) 482-2130 start giving today!

Things to Know when Donating a Car:

            As you begin your research on available options for donating a car, you will find that there are many companies from which to choose. Having a list of your own criteria is always a good idea so you know exactly what to look for in order to get the results you want or need. For example, if you need the donation to be tax deductible, then you will need to know that the recipient of the vehicle is reliable so that you aren’t faced with penalties or rejection of the deduction later on. You also want to be sure that the company to whom you donate the car is legitimate, and a good way to confirm that information is by visiting the Better Business Bureau web site as well as CharityNavigator.org. These resources will alert you of any complaints or history of wrongdoing on the part of your chosen group.

If you plan to donate to a charity, they should also have their own web site where you can verify two critical pieces of information. The first is determining whether or not the organization is an Official IRS Recognized 501 (c) (3) Charity. This status should be plainly visible in a public format (like a web site) so that you won’t have any unwelcome surprises when you submit your taxes. The second is what percentage of donated revenue actually goes to the organization’s intended recipients. The law does not stipulate a required minimum amount, so beware of charities that do not advertise this information because the actual amount could be as low as 1%. If a charitable organization is truly legitimate, they will want donors to know these two things so it should be relatively easy to find on a web site or in promotional literature.

Another essential part of choosing an organization is the convenience with which they will handle the transaction for you. There should never be any hidden fees or transportation costs to the donor, and you should also look for a group that has simplified the process. Remember, you are donating to them, so the process should be simple, quick and hassle-free. Will they take care of picking up the car? Do you have to be physically present at the time? What will you need to provide? When will you receive the receipt? These are all important questions to ask before you agree to go through with the transaction.

To Donate a Car Online or by Phone, Fax or Mail:

            Donating a car can be as quick and easy as two simple steps that require only minutes of your time. Volunteers of America accepts all cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and boats whether they are operational or not. Pick-up is always free and receipts are usually mailed within 24 hours of the completed transfer. At www.voagno.org, you can begin the 2-step process; or email your donation. All you need are the keys and the title and VOAGNO will handle the rest! They also accept car donations by fax, phone, and mail. To donate a car by phone or fax call (504) 525-2179, or toll free at 877-721-4862. To donate a car by mail, simply call the local number above and they will provide the mailing address. Make a difference in someone’s life today!