If you're donating goods to a charity, the last thing you want to do is search all over town for a donation center. Most organizations today make it easy to find donation centers, and some even offer free pickup for items large and small. In this fast-paced world, many people, myself included, select a charity based on convenience of delivery.

For years I have donated clothing to Goodwill Industries. No matter where I live, I have been able to find donation centers by calling the main hotline, or by searching online for drop-off centers. When I drop off clothing, and small household items, I deliver them myself. For large items like furniture, I call to schedule a pickup. The employees always provide me with a receipt for the estimated value of my goods.

Donating Goods to Charities

You may also be interested in making larger donations, such as an old car or truck. This is a convenient and helpful way to get rid that old clunker that isn't worth the cost of repairs, or a car that is simply not being used. If you want to donate to national organizations, you will probably need to schedule a pickup.

When you give non-cash contributions to charities it's important to estimate the value of your donation. Most organizations provide you with a receipt on the spot, but some are required to wait until your goods are sold. The staff can provide you with general guidelines for estimating the value of your goods.