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Give a Gift That Keeps on Giving

Survey Finds Charity Is Gift of Choice for Many This Year

December 14, 2005

Rockville, MD – A donation to Goodwill Industries could be just what your Uncle Joe has always wanted for Christmas.  According to a new survey by San Diego-based Kintera® Inc., 57 percent of consumers would give up all of their holiday gifts this season in favor of contributions to their favorite charity.

“For more than 100 years, Americans have donated their gently-used clothes and hard-earned money to Goodwill Industries, knowing they will get a high return on their charitable investment,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  “Last year, thanks to these donations, every 72 seconds of every business day, Goodwill placed someone in a job.”  

The Kintera survey also found that 60 percent of consumers are not aware of the tax breaks offered by the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005.  Under the act, donors who make cash donations to any public charity between August 28 and December 31, 2005, may benefit from additional tax advantages.  The donation must be made during the specified time period but does not have to support Katrina-related activity.  

“There are millions of people around the world who need our help,” says Kessinger.  “While Goodwill Industries is focused on helping people find and keep good jobs, other reputable and deserving charities also provide valuable services, such as childcare, crisis counseling, shelter and food.”  

Financial and material donations to Goodwill fund job training and career services for job seekers including people with disabilities, welfare recipients and dislocated workers.  Since Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, local Goodwill agencies across the United States have been helping connect evacuees to new temporary and permanent jobs.  Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs.  In 2004, more than 723,000 people benefited from Goodwill’s career services.  

To make a donation by credit card, donors can visit www.goodwill.org, or send a check to Goodwill Industries International, Inc.; 15810 Indianola Drive; Rockville, MD 20855.  To donate gently-used clothing and household items, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org to find the Goodwill near you, or call (800) 664-6577.

Consult your tax advisor for more details about the benefits of the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005.  For general valuation guidelines of material goods, visit www.goodwillpromo.org and www.irs.gov (publication: http://ftp.fedworld.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf).