Donate for a Happy Holiday Season

Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on Rubbermaid’s Adventures in Organization blog, but we thought it was worth sharing here as well!

The holiday season is full of wonderful traditions—caroling, holiday parties, eggnog, shopping ‘til you drop—but there’s one holiday tradition you could start with your family that might add some extra holiday cheer: donating to Goodwill. However you choose to celebrate, chances are you’ll have to make room in your closets and storage areas for the gifts you’ll give and receive this year. Now is the perfect time of year to gather up the clothes, computers, and other items you’ll be upgrading or replacing, and bring them to your closest Goodwill store or donation center.

Here are four reasons to donate to Goodwill this month:

• Cut the clutter. If you’re buying a new pair of gloves or boots for the winter, donate those gently used items you’re replacing to Goodwill. The coat your son or daughter loved last year but doesn’t fit this year will be able to keep a new owner warm and cozy! Plus, you’ll have plenty of room in your closets for all of your new stuff.
• Upgrades. If you’re upgrading your computer, cell phone, or other electronic device this year, or giving one as a gift, donate your old one to Goodwill! Through our Reconnect partnership with Dell, we’ll take your used computer equipment—any brand, in any condition—and recycle it in an environmentally friendly way! Not sure if the equipment you’d like to donate can be recycled? Click here for a full list.
• Tax deductions. Your donations to Goodwill are always tax-deductible, and you’ll get a receipt with each donation you make. Tax season is right around the corner, and the donations you make today will make an impact on your bank account soon.
• Spread holiday cheer. Your donations change lives. Not only are you helping the environment by helping keep perfectly good items out of landfills, you’re also reaching out to help people in your community like Lynne, Parris, and Brittany.

The work we do at Goodwill wouldn’t be possible without your generous donations. Thank you for your generosity and support this holiday season—and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday to you and yours!