St. Paul, (MINN.) –  As Minnesotans clear out closets in search of room for those new holiday gifts, many may be considering donating household items to charities. There is no better time than now to pick up helpful tips about donating goods to area charities, find out more about donating automobiles to charities and discover the tax advantages provided under law to encourage charitable giving. 

Before packing the car with household goods to donate to charity, here's what Minnesotans need to know:

1. Always contact a charity before donating to verify that it will accept your items. 
2. Some charities are willing to pick items up; others require donors to drop them off. Organizations that pick up items set their own schedules and may not be immediately available to come to your house.
3. Charities need goods, not trash. Donate items that are in good and useable condition. Otherwise, charities will have to spend precious resources in trash removal of unusable donated items, money that would otherwise be spent on programs and services.  In addition, charitable giving provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 allow tax deductions only for items in good condition.
4. Keep detailed records of the items you donate. Ask for receipts if you plan to request a tax deduction during tax time. Make sure the contribution is tax-deductible. If an organization is labeled "tax-exempt," this does not necessarily mean that the contribution is tax-deductible. Ask an organization if they are a 501(c) 3 organization before you make a donation. All 501(c) 3 organizations can accept contributions and offer donors a tax deduction to the full extent of the law. 
5. Search the Charities Review Council’s database of reviewed charities that accept donations of non-cash items like clothing, appliances, automobile, etc. Narrow your search by geographic location, pick up and drop off availability. Log onto the searchable Donating Auto and Goods section to begin the search.

The Charities Review Council is a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota with more than 60 years of experience helping the public make informed giving decisions. The Council is the nation’s only statewide independent resource of its kind for donors, offering analytical information about charities, including both local and national organizations. The Council is dedicated to empowering the public in making informed and thoughtful giving decisions, so that donors are can give generously and confidently, knowing they can be more effective in helping charities advance their important community work.

For additional tips on giving smart during the holiday season, visit online at www.SmartGivers.org or call the Charities Review Council at  (651) 224-7030 (toll-free 1-800-733-GIVE).           

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