The Benefits of Donating to Trustworthy Charities During the Holiday Season

• Posted on 1 December 2022
• 0

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to get into the spirit of giving. If you’re interested in spreading real cheer to families in your local area, donating to charity is one of the best ways to do a good deed - and in some cases, it’s even life-changing. 

Making Lives Better

According to information from the United States Census Bureau, there are more than 41,000 people in Collier County living below the poverty line. For many individuals, this means homelessness, food insecurity, and lack of necessities are very real concerns. Donating to local charities can make an enormous difference in these individuals’ lives, from providing nutritious meals to families with children or helping a woman getting back into the job market obtain the proper attire for interviews and work. Many events, such as Lux Boutique’s Toy Drive to benefit Eva’s Closet, focus on ensuring that every child has a gift to open during the holiday season. 

Saving Animals’ Lives

While helping people and families with food and necessities is crucial, many people want to do their part to help the animal population throughout the county, as well. Unfortunately, hundreds of otherwise adoptable animals are euthanized due to overpopulation every year, but that overpopulation can be addressed with low-cost spay and neuter clinics put together by organizations like SNIP. You can make monetary donations to help fund the clinic, or you can help low-income families and individuals pay their vet bills by donating to the Helping Paws fund. Your donations can save dogs, cats, and other pets across the county who need your intervention. 

A Sense of Gratitude

All too often, we get so caught up in the chaos and turmoil of our everyday lives that we forget how grateful we should be for our many blessings. There’s nothing quite like donating to charity to help facilitate a real sense of gratitude. Contributing to the local cause of your choice is a sobering reminder that there are thousands upon thousands of people and animals who need your help, and making a sizeable donation provides a respite from your own daily grievances. The sense of gratitude that comes from helping those in need is significant, and it can improve your life as much as it improves the lives of those you help. 

Your Donations are Tax Deductible

While tax deductions should never be at the heart of your donations, it’s always helpful to remember that any charitable donations you make - whether it’s toys for a toy drive or a significant monetary donation to a local children’s center - are tax deductible. To find out whether your donations qualify for end-of-year tax deductions, just ask if they are an IRS-approved charitable organization. 

Your Time is Important, Too 

Not everyone has the financial means to write a check to their favorite causes, but in many cases, volunteers are just as valuable as money. There are numerous organizations in the area that could use your help, from distributing food and items to families and individuals in need to preparing hot meals to serve community members during the holidays. To learn more, contact your favorite charitable organizations and ask them how you can help. 

The holiday season is a time of cheer, but for many families, individuals, and even pets, life’s circumstances can make it difficult to enjoy the holiday spirit. Whether you choose to donate your time or your money, there are numerous charitable organizations striving to help improve the lives of their communities. Giving back to the community and belonging to something greater than yourself is one of the most fulfilling feelings of them all.