Better To Donate Goodwill Or Salvation Army

Better to Donate: Goodwill or Salvation Army?

When it comes to donating gently used items, two of the most well-known organizations are Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Both organizations have a long history of providing essential services to communities in need. However, there are some key differences between the two organizations that may influence your decision about where to donate.

Mission and Values

Goodwill: Goodwill's mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment through job training and placement services. Their revenue from donated goods supports these programs.

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has a broader mission, which includes providing social services, disaster relief, and spiritual guidance to people in need. They use proceeds from donated goods to fund their various programs.

Where Donations Go

Goodwill: Donated items that can be sold are sold in Goodwill retail stores. Items that cannot be sold are recycled or donated to other organizations. A small percentage of donations may be used for training or administrative purposes.

Salvation Army: Donated items that are in good condition are sold in Salvation Army thrift stores. Items that are not suitable for resale are typically recycled or disposed of responsibly. A portion of donations may be used to support their social service programs.

Tax Deductions

Both Goodwill and The Salvation Army are registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, which means that donations made to either organization are tax-deductible. However, the value of the tax deduction you receive may vary depending on the type of items you donate.

Retail Experience

Goodwill: Goodwill stores are typically large and offer a wide variety of donated goods, including clothing, furniture, home décor, and electronics. They are known for their casual and relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Salvation Army: Salvation Army thrift stores are smaller and often have a more eclectic selection of items. They are known for their friendly and welcoming staff.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when deciding where to donate:

Convenience: Consider which organization has donation drop-off locations that are convenient for you.
Environmental impact: Both organizations have programs in place to recycle or responsibly dispose of items that cannot be sold.
Community impact: Both organizations provide important services to their communities. Consider which organization you would like to support based on their mission and values.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of where to donate is a personal one. Both Goodwill and The Salvation Army are reputable organizations that provide valuable services to their communities. Consider the factors discussed above to make an informed decision that aligns with your values and needs.