Jean Chatzky's Guide to Holiday Giving

One of the best things about the change in seasons is cleaning out your closet and getting rid of the things you'll never wear or use again. It feels good to rid your house of unnecessary clutter, and it feels even better to give those things to someone who will appreciate them. How do you go about it? First of all, do a little research to find an organization that you want to support. Most towns have access to a Salvation Army or Goodwill, but there are smaller groups that can use your help as well—just make sure they're legit by running the name by your local Better Business Bureau office, says Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of its Wise Giving Alliance. Then, gather the items you want to give, making sure that they're in good condition, and make a list of each item and its value for tax purposes.

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