Goodwill of Greater Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2006

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Brendan Hurley
202-715-2605
brendanh@dcgoodwill.org

GOODWILL RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO MAKE AN END OF THE YEAR DONATION

Washington, DC – During this season of giving, Goodwill of Greater Washington would like to offer 10 useful “Do’s & Don’ts” of making a year end donation of clothing, household goods or cash. We hope that these recommendations will make donating to Goodwill a more pleasant experience.

When donating clothing, furniture, household goods or vehicles, please DO…

…try to make your donation as early in the day as possible (donation sites and hours of operation can be found on the Goodwill website www.dcgoodwill.org)

…try to make your donation on a weekday when the lines will be shorter

…remember to get a donation receipt, make an accurate recording of your donated goods and make a copy of your receipt. You will need this if you wish to claim a tax deduction.

…make sure the donation receipt is signed and dated before leaving the donation site. It will save you an unnecessary trip back to the donation site.

…Try to make your donations in one trip. It will save you time and effort.

…sort your donated items as best you can (tie shoelaces together so shoes don’t get separated, put suit jacket and matching pants on same hanger etc.)

…remember to clean out your computer of all files, documents, discs and CDs before donating it.

…call Goodwill’s vehicle donation line at 202-715-2636 to schedule a home pickup of your donated automobile

…note the changes in the tax laws as a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, if you intend to claim a tax deduction.

…remember that you can make a cash donation at www.dcgoodwill.org that will support the Goodwill mission of providing job training and placement services for people with disadvantages
and disabilities.

Please DON’T…

…donate large appliances such as dishwashers, freezers, hot water heaters, large refrigerators, stoves, trash compactors, washers or dryers

…donate broken, incomplete or severely damaged furniture, toys, mattresses, box springs; mildewed or soiled clothing; firearms, ammunition, automobile parts, windows or doors.

…drop off items after donation sites have closed for the day unless a donation bin is provided (this is for the safety of your donation and so that you can get a receipt. We cannot send you a receipt once you’ve left the premises)

…forget that Goodwill is very grateful for your donation and our attendants are working as hard as possible to expedite the donation process. This is a very busy time of year for donated goods

…ask for a 2006 donation receipt if making a donation after December 31, 2006

…ask someone to pick up a donation receipt for you if you forgot to pick one up when you made your donation.

…forget to estimate the value of your donation for your taxes (an IRS value estimator can be found at www.dcgoodwill.org)

…WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE (The lines are always the longest on New Year’s Eve)

…forget to provide supporting documentation when claiming a tax deduction.

…forget that Goodwill cannot provide a donation receipt unless the donation is made during normal business hours at one of our attended donation sites. Donation receipts are not available at unattended donation bins.

To everyone who donates used goods, cash or services to Goodwill of Greater Washington or any other worthwhile charitable organization…thank you!!

Goodwill of Greater Washington’s mission is to educate, train, employ and place people with disadvantages and disabilities, creating a stronger workforce and a more vital community while building dignity for the people we serve through the removal of barriers to personal success.