Goodwill offers multiple ways to be charitable this holiday season

PHOENIX (December 10, 2008) — As more Arizonans look for employment opportunities, the demand for Goodwill of Central Arizona’s 36 human services programs continues to increase. These programs, which are the foundation of its commitment to Put People to Work, help individuals with vocational barriers find work and become independent. The organization, which has served more than 2,000 Arizona youth and adults in 2008, is making it easier to help others this holiday season.

“We want to let Arizonans know that shopping at Goodwill is one of the easiest ways to extend charity this season,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. ”Not only do you get more for your hard-earned dollar, but 90 cents of every dollar we earn is returned to our programs that give those in need the gifts of hope and independence – through the power of work -  all year.”

Goodwill, which is one of Arizona’s largest and most trusted charities, funds its much-needed work training and job placement services through its retail stores as well as monetary donations from the community. The top ways to support Goodwill this year and help put Arizonans to work include:

Tax-deductible cash donations. Earn up to a $400 tax credit. Goodwill accepts tax-deductible cash donations at any of its 39 retail stores and through its Website, www.goodwillaz.org. The nonprofit is also eligible to accept donations for the Arizona Assistance to the Working Poor Tax Credit. Through the tax credit, taxpayers can earn dollar-for-dollar donations of up to $200 for a single person or $400 for a married couple who itemize their deductions and have deducted charitable contributions in their Arizona state income tax return at least once in order to establish a baseline year and amount. The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit for organizations that serve the working poor is different from the tax credit available for supporting private school tuition and public school extracurricular activities. Taxpayers are eligible to receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for all three.

Donate goods. It’s an easy way to turn old stuff into new lives and help the environment. Goodwill’s donation drop-off locations make it easy for Arizonans to donate gently used clothing and household items. Simply pull up to any one of the organization’s donation drop-off sites and donation attendants will unload donations and provide a tax receipt. Goodwill also accepts vehicle donations. By donating, you help Goodwill keep more than 135 million pounds of goods out of Arizona landfills annually.

Shop Goodwill. Stretch your dollar. Be a Secret Social Santa. Goodwill makes it easy to buy a chic wardrobe with our unique selection of clothing, accessories and household goods. Goodwill's GoodStuff gift cards are a trendy gift that gives back to the community. Frugal looks good on you!