Four Benefits to Donating Clothes to the Red Cross

When it comes time to clean out your home, it’s important to decide where your unwanted items will go. Sadly, most people take their items directly to the curb to be thrown away. According to research done by the EPA, people in the United States throw away about 10 pounds of clothes per person each year. When you donate clothes to Red Cross donation centers, you’re keeping clothes out of already full landfills.

The Red Cross has provided relief for families in communities all across the world. This organzation operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help give clothing, shelter, food, and blood to those in need. One of the most well known non-profit organizations, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you are donating to great and established organization. Here are three benefits you can enjoy when you donate clothes to Red Cross.

1. Helping Others in Need – One of the most important benefits of donating items you no longer use is the value it will have for someone in need. The satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve provided clothing to someone who might freeze without it gives you an immense sense of pride. Many others who regularly donate do so because they enjoy helping others. In a recent survey, 63% of donors cited “giving back to the community” as a large motivator for their donations. Most of us are much more fortunate than we think which makes the decision to donate even more helpful to others
2. Great for Tax Deductions – Some people who have shied away from donating in the past have been unaware of the tax benefits associated with giving back. It can’t match the value you get from helping others but any help during tax time can be a motivator to donating clothes. The write-off amount that you receive from donating will depend on various factors. Amount of merchandise, quality of merchandise, and how many separate times you donate are all factors in determine your write-off amount.
3. Helping the Economy – Clothes donations might not seem like that much of a big deal to you. However, your donations can greatly help the economy, at a time where this help is desperately needed. It is estimated that $666.1 billion is added to the United States economy by non-profit organizations. It is amazing to think that the simple act of getting rid of older clothes can have such far reaching of an impact.

Red Cross clothing donations can greatly change the world we live in. The first benefit of knowing that you helped others in need will make you feel great. Instead of throwing away old clothes, it is much more valuable to give them to those that truly need clothing. The tax write off potential for your clothes donations are a welcome benefit for taxpayers. Some people have to pay more in taxes than others making donations a great way to reduce the amount of money you owe each year.

In summary, Red Cross donation centers are located throughout the world which means you shouldn’t have to travel too far to donate your clothing. Used clothing donations are doing much more than clearing out your closest, they are giving much needed clothes to those who are less fortunate than you. When you donate clothes to Red Cross centers, instead of throwing away your clothes, you are doing your part to make the world a better place to live in. The satisfaction you will likely get from helping others could ensure that donating becomes a valued part of your life.