Civil Articles
If you are making donations to charities helping out the people of Haiti, watch this video for information about claiming those donations on your 2009 tax return.
Tags: donation, donations, earthquake, earthquake relief, HAITI, Haiti earthquake, Haiti earthquake victim, Haitian, Haitian earthquake, internal revenue service, IRS, irs.gov, itemize deduction, itemized deduction, relief, tax, tax break, Taxes, text messages, victim, victims
Posted in Taxes · January 27th, 2010 · Comments (0)
With a dwindlingfinancial base, nonprofits are witnessing their contributions nose-dive. Usually throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season contributions tend to skyrocket. But over the last few years the declines in giving to food banks, shelters, and humanitarian organizations have become evident.
When people are struggling themselves and have less money the first thing to do is cut needless spending. Normally, they start by cutting out the vacations, expensive clothing, dining out and when that isn’t enough then they eliminate donations and other spending in order to make ends meet.
As a result of slim pocketbooks food banks and charities this year are struggling because there are more people needing services and less people donating. Particularly, with the holidays approaching food banks may not be able to supply some of the needy, many of which are families. The circumstances are severe and charities are trying to think of more ways to get individuals to donate.
Charities are currently asking Congress to make a tax incentive so that more people will give. They also want the government to increase federal nourishment programs and spend more on programs to help people prepare for work. Charities think that with the governments help there will be more aid which means enough food to go around.
At one Seattle food bank they have over 2,500 visitors on busy days which is up from 1,800 just one year ago. Josh Fogt the manager of Northwest Harvest in Seatte revealed that “In our 42-year history, we have never witnessed a demand for our services like we are seeing now.” This and other nonprofit groups are being forced to support greater numbers of people with limited resources.
Albeit many of us have a lowered incomes, or even no income we can still find a way to donate. It doesn’t have to be cash, it can even be a couple cases of Top Ramen or whatever you can afford. It doesn’t have to be much, but every little bit helps. Still, if you can’t give even a penny, you can go and donate your time. Chip in and lend a hand to a nonprofit organization.
It doesn’t matter how grim you think your circumstances are, there are always people that are worse off than you. Spend time this thanksgiving remembering everything that you enjoy and the significance your loved ones play in your life. Give of yourself and you will feel better, because you helped someone else in need.
But if you are are one of the individuals struggling this season there are organizations out there that can help you. And if you have enough provisions on your table and clothes on your back give thanks by donating. There is an enormous need out there and more than 14.6 percent of U.S. households are missing food to lead a healthy life.
Hunger affects everyone. Donations are not only used to help the destitute, but seniors, kids, along with many of your friends and neighbors. This recession is affecting everyone including the lower and middle classes. Give what you can because fellow Americans are lacking the basic necessities and the government can’t provide everything for everyone.
About the Author
Diane Johnson earned a bachelor?s degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. She likes to write about the news, politics, adult education, online education, and the college experience.
Tags: charity, donations, economy, expenses, Government
Posted in Finances · January 16th, 2010 · Comments (0)