General Guidelines

If you donate property to VVA, you may deduct the property’s fair market value at the time of the donation, subject to the statutory limitations on such donations.

Fair market value is defined as the price at which the property would change hands between a willing seller and a willing buyer.

If the donation is $250 or more, but does not exceed $500, a written acknowledgment of the donation must be provided by the donee. In the case of VVA, the donation receipt fulfills this obligation.

As with any tax-related information, you should always consult a tax professional to resolve questions regarding your particular donation.

Please see our Tax Deduction Guidelines for further detail.

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Use the W-A-S-T-E technique

Are you consumed by clutter? Deciding what to pitch or keep is simple if you work through these questions, and be honest:

W - Worthwhile? Do you truly like the item?

A - Again? Will you use it, really?

S - Somewhere else? Can it be borrowed or found somewhere else if you need it?

T - Toss? Will the world end if you get rid of it? Coud someone else be helped?

E - Entire? Do you need the whole thing or just part of it?

Source: “Helpful Hints for Organizing“, Dummies.com.

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How to Choose a Charity

Consider these details before choosing to support a charity:

Research: What is the charity’s purpose? Does its mission meet my areas of concern/interest? Keep in mind that it’s always best to choose a local organization where your efforts have the ability to make a significant impact.

Credibility: Do not hesitate to ask questions to gain an understanding of the organization’s profits and expenses. Be sure that the charity has a 501(c)(3) rating with the IRS. If not, it is not a non-profit organization.

Evaluation: Review the website closely and be sure to conduct a Better Business Bureau search to get an idea of the organization’s standing in the community. Look for complaints, lawsuits, or derogatory news articles.

Involvement: Don’t just join the cause, fight for the cause. Participate in the organization’s events, social media and educate others on what your charity has to offer.

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Teaching Children about Charity

When you take the time to get involved in a charitable service as a family, your children
will receive many positive benefits, like:

• learning about social issues,
• gaining a new perspective of the world,
• seeing other positive role models, and
• understanding family values.

Volunteering as a family makes room for quality time well-spent together, and even helps children decide what they want to do in life.

Encourage your children to donate their time by volunteering at a soup kitchen, fundraiser, or helping an elderly neighbor. Reinforce with your children that an act of charity can be something as simple as donating well-preserved, outgrown clothing and toys.

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