If you’re thinking about donating clothing to charity, this is a wise decision. While it might seem easier to toss out your unwanted clothes, it’s causing more harm than good. In fact, this contributes to the nearly 12 million tons of textile waste produced throughout the United States annually. Many people are surprised to realize the benefits of preparing donations. Considering that, here are five important benefits of donating clothing to veterans charities.
- Motivating Others to Donate
It’s quite easy for people to get used to their normal routine. That being said, your charitable donations might inspire others to break their routines and start helping others. However, it’s difficult to achieve this goal without anyone else knowing about it. Therefore, consider taking to social media in order to let your friends and family know about your charitable efforts. - Mentally Rewarding Yourself
You’ve probably heard people mention that donating to charity makes them feel good. As it turns out, there’s a reason for this magical feeling. One study found that contributing to a charity actually increases your dopamine supply. Dopamine is the main chemical in the brain responsible for making you feel happy. - Better Overall Health
Life is full of stressful situations. However, the way you react to these situations determine the impact they have. Fortunately, those who give back to charity notice reduced stress levels throughout their lives. A study by John Hopkins University found that those who donate to charity had lower blood pressure numbers compared to those who aren’t donators. - Helping the Environment
There are many ways you can help the environment. Unfortunately, certain environmentally friendly actions can be difficult to implement. However, you’ll find that donating clothing to charity is actually great for the environment. One study found that the average person in the United States throws away 82 pounds of textile waste annually. By donating items you would have otherwise tossed out, you’re helping to reduce the problem of overcrowded landfills. - Tax Savings
As you prepare veterans donations, you’re probably thinking about how these items help families in need. However, you need to remember the tax benefits of charitable donations. The IRS or Internal Revenue Service allows individuals to write off items donated to charity. That being said, you’ll want to thoroughly read tax rules regarding donations. As a rule of thumb, always make sure you collect receipts for all veterans donations. You’ll often need these receipts to show as proof of your donations.
In closing, there are many benefits of giving back to a charity. Unfortunately, people living throughout the United States either recycle or donate a mere 15% of their used clothes. If you’re unable to visit a veterans donation center, pick up clothing donations might be an option. Utilizing these methods means that representative from a charity visits your home in order to collect your veterans donations.