The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that was founded in the mid-1800s by William Booth and his wife Catherine. The Salvation Army seeks to help people who are homeless, impoverished, and recovering from drug addiction.
The Salvation Army centers its services around five cornerstones that are integral to the group’s mission:
worship, fellowship, ministry, witness, and charity.
Salvation Army locations
If you live in a metropolitan area, your local branch of The Salvation Army will accept clothes donations, but if you’re outside of one—or aren’t sure where to go—you can find locations near you by using their website’s locator tool. From there, select what kind of donation it is (clothing or money) and enter your city and state.
Give as much as you can afford! Even just $5 can help someone get back on their feet. Plus, for every $1 donated, 91 cents go directly toward assisting those in need. It’s a great way to give back during tax season while also saving some money on taxes yourself!
Volunteer opportunities at Christmas Kettle Kickoff events
Join other volunteers who are donating salvation army in the US at local kettle kickoff events across America. Events will take place on Nov. 20 and Dec. 3, from 12 to 6 pm, with one exception (New York City will have a kickoff event on Nov. 27).
If you’re looking for ways to donate time to help people in need, consider volunteering at one of these events, where all volunteer positions are free of charge and walk-up signups are welcome!
What you can donate
Money, food, clothes, household items, and toys can all be donated to The Salvation Army. Items not accepted include books, stereos, and televisions. Additionally, clothing must be in a wearable condition and non-perishable food should be at least close to its expiration date when you donate it.
Check with your local donation center for specifics. Many people also choose to donate time as well as money. Those interested in volunteering their time or skills can contact their local Salvation Army chapter directly.
Shipping to the Salvation Army
Donating goods to charity is a great way to help others in need, but it can also offer benefits for your bottom line. Here are some things you should know about donating goods to an organization like The Salvation Army:
If you donate goods worth more than $5,000, you may be able to deduct their full value as a charitable contribution on your taxes.
If you have capital losses that exceed capital gains, they can offset up to $3,000 of other income (e.g., wages). However, if those losses exceed $3,000 and your other income exceeds capital gains by more than $3,000, you may carry forward these excess losses to future years when you have positive taxable income. How can accountants help get R & D Tax claims for Clients?
Gifts of stock
Another thing that you can donate is stock in your company. Giving shares of a company is one of the most common ways to donate to non-profits like the Salvation Army, but it’s also highly advantageous for you as a shareholder.
If you own 10% of your company and are looking at donating 100 shares, for example, you will be able to reduce your taxable income by $15,000. This reduces your tax burden on other sources of income and can potentially save you thousands over time.
Kettle donations
When you donate your old pots and pans, bikes, or other household items to a charity such as The Salvation Army or Goodwill, these organizations sell them to raise money. Many of these donations are tax-deductible (with a receipt).
So consider dropping off your cast-offs rather than throwing them away when it’s time to clean out your garage. Check with your accountant to make sure you get credit for any donations at tax time.
Volunteering with the local Red Kettle Campaign
Every year, thousands of volunteers donate their time to support local Red Kettle Campaigns in communities throughout the United States. Volunteers work directly with bell ringers, helping them spread holiday cheer and raise money for their local communities.
They also make sure donations are safely stored, counted, and distributed to families in need later. If you’re interested in volunteering with your local Salvation Army location—or donating directly to a campaign—you can find more information here.
