Time Running Out for Tax Deduction on Charitable Donations

Media release: The clock is winding down for taxpayers looking to claim deductions for charitable donations. December 31 is the last day donations can be applied to the 2011 tax year.

Goodwill of North Georgia is gearing up for what is consistently their busiest week of the year. "We anticipate serving nearly 67,000 donors this week alone," says Director of Public Relations Elaine Armstrong. "We encourage families to gather items now because with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to forget items you intended to donate."

The organization has more than 100 locations where donors can give clothing, books, furniture and other household items. Goodwill also accepts unwanted computer equipment at each of its donation centers. Through a partnership with Dell, those items are recycled ─ keeping potentially harmful items out of landfills.

Because of the increase in activity at its facilities, Goodwill is reminding donors to double check what they plan to donate before leaving the house. "Our goal is to make the experience quick and easy for donors, so we will have additional staff on hand to help speed up the process," Armstrong explains.

During the past year, Goodwill has added more than a dozen sites where North Georgians can donate. The nonprofit also launched a new location finder on its website, making it easy for donors to find their nearest location.

For more information about Goodwill of North Georgia, visit www.goodwillng.org.