Donating furniture to help the needy is always a worthy cause.
You can help the community by donating unwanted furniture to a legitimate charity. The charity sells the furniture, and the money raised is used to help the needy. Baltimore is a large city and, like all large cities, has its share of those in need. To help out in the Baltimore area, several large charities can assist you with helping your community.
Finding a Charity
Finding a well-respected charity is easy. Many have large thrift stores in the Baltimore area, often located in large shopping malls. Perhaps you've seen the stores just driving to and from running an errand. Some large charities include Goodwill Industries, the Saint Vincent DePaul and the Habitat for Humanity (see Resources). For example, the Salvation Army has a large chapter in the Baltimore area. The Salvation Army states it is in need of many items, including furniture. As a public service, the Salvation Army offers a pickup of large items, so you don't have to wrestle with it.
Suitable Items
Charities can only take furniture that's in good salable condition. They cannot take "junk" or furniture that belongs in the scrap pile. If your couch is dirty, shampoo it so it has good value. If a table is broken, fix it so it can be sold. You must bear in mind charities may not have the resources or manpower to fix and clean furniture. They rely on you to be a good citizen, so they can help out those in need.
Scheduling a Pickup
Confer with the charity's representative, and schedule a pickup time that is convenient for you. Baltimore has harsh winters. Allow some time for bad road conditions during the winter months. Keep your word, and be at the pickup point at the time you scheduled. Charities have to expend time, money and effort to achieve a pickup at your location. Expect a few big burly men with a panel truck to show up. If you are uncomfortable with strangers in your house, ask a few adult friends to be at the pickup location with you.
Tax Purposes
The charity will write you a receipt, stating the fair market value of the donation. This is for your tax purposes. Keep the receipt until the next tax filing period. Inform your professional tax preparer about the donation. It may affect the amount of taxes you have to pay, or your refund.
Tags: Baltimore area, Salvation Army, furniture that, help needy, large charities, those need