Give to Charity Without Touching Your Own Money

David Weliver — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:30:51 +0000

To everyone who called because I haven’t written lately: Thank you, I’m okay! Truth is, I’ve been preoccupied shopping, wrangling work, and planning an out-of-state move. But today, I saw a Salvation Army bell ringer (some of whom, incidentally, now accept credit cards). It reminded me to forget all the selfish stuff for a moment. Charities feel the recession, too; all the more reason to help however we can. And, as it turns out, you don’t have to fork over your own hard-earned cash to make a difference.

Volunteer

The tried and true way to pitch in when you’re penniless yourself is to volunteer. It could be a local soup kitchen, hospital, or action group. I’ve worked previously with of the Hands On Network, which helps links volunteers with projects nationwide.

Donate your frequent flyer miles

Many airlines (including Continental, Delta, and United) allow you to donate unused frequent flyer miles to a number of charities; a great way to give without missing the money.

Shop for a cause

A number of “charity shopping portals” chip into a cause with every purchase you make. Check out one The Hunger Site Store, iGive, and OneCause.

Sell some stuff for charity

While you can always take your unused clothes and other household items to Goodwill or other charitable thrift stores, you can also clean out your attic on eBay or Craigslist and give some or all of your proceeds away.

Do you have a way of giving that doesn’t involve giving your own cash?

Donating Clothing? Beware For-Profit Drop Boxes

David Weliver — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:51:20 +0000

Donating your unused clothing makes a lot of sense; you can help out a charity like Goodwill or the Salvation Army while cleaning out your closet. You’ll even score a small tax deduction. But choose whom you give you clothes to carefully; for-profit companies are now setting up clothing drop boxes and then reselling your duds to consignment stores or textile recyclers.

Misleading clothing donation boxes

I learned about for-profit clothing drop boxes a couple weeks ago when my parents told me about a bright red donation dumpster they saw in a shopping center parking lot. When they red the fine print, they realized the drop box was not sponsored by Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or another charity, but a for-profit company that donated a tiny percentage of its profits to charitable causes. The practice is misleading at best, illegal at worst.

Clothing recycling boxes

While some companies solicit clothing donations under the guise of charity, others—like U’SAgain—are unashamed to be collecting your old clothes and making a buck.

Unscrupulous charities

Finally, there are even some non-profit organizations soliciting clothing donations that you may want to avoid. Planet Aid is one such company that has drop boxes in certain locations around the country and brags supporting a variety of causes in Africa. There are allegations, however, that Planet Aid, U’SAgain, and other clothing recyclers have links to criminal organizations.

Whether or not the group skirts the law, annual reports reveal that just 11 percent of Planet Aid’s income goes to charity. While non-profit organizations cost money to operate, it seems reasonable to question just how Planet Aid spends the other 89 percent.

How do you find a legitimate charity that accepts clothing donations?

While many charities may be able to put your garments to good use, the Salvation Army and Goodwill are two widespread and reliable charitable recyclers. With some exceptions, however, these groups are likely to have fewer stand-alone drop boxes. To donate clothing, you may have to drive to a thrift store or staffed drop location.

Locate a Salvation Army or Goodwill clothing donation site now.

Money Under 30 » Giving

Give to Charity Without Touching Your Own Money

Donating Clothing? Beware For-Profit Drop Boxes