MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) — Out with the old and in with the new; this year more people are lining up and dropping off clothes, appliances, and computers at Goodwill. This is the busiest time of the year for donations.
"It's good for your heart, it's good for your soul, it's good for your neighbors who need it, and it's a tax deduction. It's a win, win, win as they say,” said Steven Lowery, who dropped off mattresses, dressers, a pair of televisions, and stuffed animals.
"There are a lot of other people that don't have as much as some people and what you can do without might help others. That's why I generally do it,” said Karen Paige, who donated 3 boxes of clothes at Goodwill.
There were so many donations in 2011 they've helped employ more than 100 people in Memphis and in North Mississippi.
"The economy has started to get to the point where people are donating a little bit more," said the Memphis Goodwill Executive Vice President Dave Leutwyler. "Every time we increase donations it creates more jobs."
Leutwyler says almost everything you donate you can claim on your taxes.
"You're getting a 'double dip' if you will. You're doing a service for an agency that helps people in tremendous need and you're able to write off those donations and reduce your taxable income with the IRS,” said Leutwyler.
There’s only a few days left before you can claim your donations on your 2011 tax forms; it's going to get even busier so Goodwill says to come early.
