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| Updated: 12/31/2011 4:22 pm |
Published: 12/31/2011 4:13 pm |
Saturday was the busiest day of the year for Goodwill as people dropped off donations to cash in on the 2011 tax credit for charitable donations before the midnight deadline.
To handle the rush, Goodwill beefed up its staff. The never-ending line of cars full of donations kept Goodwill employees in Little Rock very busy.
"Lots of clothing, shoes, house ware items, a lot of electrical items. We've gotten a lot of furniture. A lot of really good stuff," says Goodwill's Leisa Wamsley.
So much good stuff, Wamsley already knows donations this year are up.
But, what makes December 31 the most popular day of the year to donate?
"Because it's the last day of the year," says Leah Jackson.
People like Jackson want to beat the deadline for charitable tax deductions. If you donate by midnight, you can claim the deduction on your 2011 taxes.
"It's an exciting, busy time. People want the tax deductions, and they're also making room for the new Christmas gifts they got. Just starting the New Year off with a clean slate," says Goodwill's Rebecca Brockman.
Terry O'Brian donates to Goodwill a couple of times a year. Saturday, he dropped off clothes and pots and pans.
"Helps so many people, you know, it keeps them gainfully employed. It keeps good stuff in circulation that other people can use. Times are a little tough right now, and people want to get, you know, the most for stuff they have, and I think it's a great cause," says O'Brian.
All of the people who donated Saturday now become part of what Goodwill calls its "circle of hope."
"We have a tagline. It's donate, shop, change a life. So, it's a full circle mission. You come in, you donate to us, go shop with us and in turn, you're going to help change someone's life by helping put them to work," says Wamsley.
If you didn't have a chance to bring items to Goodwill Saturday, you can always get a head start on your 2012 return.
