World Hunger and Poverty

by Josh Riverside

Every year, in millions of homes and offices around the world, old computers are callously dumped to be replaced with latest technology computers. It is a callous act, because not many amongst us can claim to be ignorant of the fact that numerous organizations around us can put the old computers to good use. These organizations such as non-profit charity organizations, religious organizations, schools and a number of families have to sometimes carry on their work with no computers. You could also donate your computer to a person with some disability. You might, in all probability, be providing him with fresh opportunities and a chance to earn his livelihood. So, think hard before dumping a computer. You could be dumping somebody’s chance to earn his daily bread.

When you donate a computer in charity, you donate technology. Most charity organizations are dependent on generous donors like you for their technology requirements. They would rather utilize their limited funds in providing basic amenities to the needy rather than buying expensive computers. There are several organizations that accept computer donations and transfer them to the charity of your choice. Some of these organizations upgrade the computers according to the latest technology and then donate them to the concerned charity or school or even to a needy family. You can also get in touch with a local charity or a family in need of computers and donate directly to them. Several organizations act as a link between donors and organizations that are in need of computers. Certain organizations may also help you to get in touch with individuals, in case you wish to donate to an individual rather than an organization.

Computer donations are a valuable contribution for most organizations and play a very vital role in their development programs. Some organizations use the computers to provide training to people with disabilities or health problems. The organization, therefore, acts as a training center that helps create job opportunities for the disabled. Some people prefer to send their old computers to recyclers or refurbishers who repair and upgrade the computers before passing them on to schools or charities.

When you donate a computer, you qualify for a tax deduction if you donate to a registered charity. So, do not forget to get a receipt of the donated computer from the charitable organization you are donating to.

by Josh Riverside

To discard the old furniture, when you are about to makeover the decor of your house, is a natural impulse for most of us. But do you realize that every time you throw out your old furniture, you could also be throwing away somebody’s chance to lead a better life? Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to get the desired décor for your house and in the process also help someone in need?

Donate your furniture rather than discarding it. But make sure that it is in a saleable condition. Furniture that is badly damaged or worn out is not accepted by most charity organizations. Many charity organizations welcome donations in the form of furniture and may even be willing to pick it up from your home without charging any fee. However, if you wish to avail the services of a free pick up, be sure to enquire about the availability of this service before you make the donation. Many organizations require a minimum donation before they provide the services of a free pick up.

A more preferred method would be to look for local charitable organizations that accept furniture donations. It is easier for the charity donations that are within your vicinity to pick the furniture from your home, especially if it is not viable for you to deliver the furniture to the organization yourself. Be sure to ask for the receipt of the articles from the charity after they have picked up the furniture items from your house. Make a list of these items along with their estimated market value. Preserve the list and the receipt for your tax deductions. The method of filing this information with your taxes varies according to the value of the furniture that you have donated. Information on this can be obtained from authorized sources, when you make the donation. A wonderful resource these days is the Internet where you will be able to find all relevant information, from locating local charities to methods of making the donation.

Parting with your favorite couch will not be a saddening thought any more, if you realize the comfort that its donation can bring to the life of another human.