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Dec 26
2012Seven tips for how to make the most of your year-end (or any time!) donation...
Like many charities, many donations that will sustain our operations through the year come as a year-end donation. Not only does it help us serve the men, women and children that desperately need our services, it's a great way to receive a blessing as well, since you can claim your gift as a tax-deductible donation.
With that in mind, we wanted to share some giving tips with you:
1. With any charity you choose to give to (like the Jimmie Hale Mission), be sure you research and know where your donation is going. A good way to do that is to review the fiscal health of the organization. For example, you can review the Mission's 990 tax form, our annual audit and even our 2011 annual report.
2. Ask the charity about its tax-exempt status. A monetary gift (and sometimes in-kind gifts) given to a tax-exempt organization is tax-deductible. The Jimmie Hale Mission is a 501(c)3 organization, meaning your donation now and before the end of the year, will bring you a blessing in 2013 when it comes tax time. You can check the tax-exempt status of any organization by visiting IRS.gov. (Tip courtesy of North Jefferson News).
Give your gift before Dec. 31, 2012, to receive a blessing in April!3. Give without strings attached. Sometimes, donors like to designate their contribute for specific projects, like meals. While this is ideal for special times of the years or projects, an unrestricted can be a great way to allow the charity to do what they really need to do - even if that means your gift may help to keep the lights and heat on. (Tip courtesy of Charity Navigator).
4. Don't forget 'non-Sandy' charities. This year, a significant amount of charitable donations went to Hurricane Sandy relief. As a result, much of the contributions that non-disaster aid charities were depending on have been diverted. This holiday season, don't forget to support these 'non-Sandy' groups so that they are not forced to cut services or programs. (Tip courtesy of Charity Navigator.)
5. Keep records of your donations. To deduct your gift on your taxes, you'll want to be sure you have a record of this gift, no matter what the amount. Any one who gives a donation to the Jimmie Hale Mission will receive a receipt! If you give online, you'll receive an email receipt; if you give over-the-phone or by mail, we will mail you a receipt as quickly as possible. (Tip courtesy of North Jefferson News).
In-kind donations (goods and items) may also be tax-deductible; be sure to check though!6. Look at the results. You want to know how effective the charity is in doing what they do. For example, we love to share the Success Stories about our clients. That way, you can see what change your donation is helping to make in the lives of others. You can also review our 2011 annual report for a broader view on who we've helped (2012 annual report is in the works).
A little bit of research can go a long way. We hope our website makes
finding answers to your questions easy. If you still don't see what you
need, just call us at (205) 323-5878.7. Lastly, how familar are you with the charity? Is the charity a fit for your philanthropic goals? You want to support a charity that matches your intentions. It can take just a few minutes to confirm that the organization offers the programs and services you think it does. For example, our purpose is to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the men, women and children in our community by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. To see fully how we help each segment of the population, click here for our men's shelter, here for our recovery center, here for our women and children's shelter and here for our Discovery Clubs outreach program.
We hope these tips make your year-end giving easier and more fulfilling! If you'd like to give a year-end gift to the Jimmie Hale Mission, just click here!
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Dec 18
2012For many, Christmas is a time of goodwill and generosity. Many times we get asked, "How can I help?" Here's three ways you can help the less-fortunate, now and throughout the year:
Time - Time is a precious commodity. You've probably often thought there's not enough hours in the day to accomplish all you need to, so can you understand how the gift of time is a very valuable one. For just one hour, you can help serve a meal to the hungry and homeless we serve. We know the power of a meal and how it can lead to a changed life. If you give just one hour of your time, you can help make that change happen.
All it takes is one hour to volunteer!Talent - Your talent is one that is unique to you. Do you have a knack for decorating, singing or maybe you're good with kids? Regardless of your talent, there's a way to put it to use. You can volunteer as a Party Pal, get your choir group to sing during a chapel session or, if your talent is simply being a leader, you can organize a donation drive. God blessed us with our own abilities - put them to use!
Volunteers from Altard State conducted a company food drive for the MissionTreasure - If you have a calling to help 'in person,' that's great! We'd love to see you. But there is no denying the gift of a monetary donation. Your donation is what makes all of our programs, services and yes, even volunteer opportunities, possible. No gift is too great or too small - every little bit helps. If you'd like to donate, you can do so by visiting our secure donation page or calling us (205) 323-5878.
So how will you help? Will you give your time, talent or treasure? Or maybe all three!
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Nov 27
2012During the busy holiday season, we have three (count 'em - three!) days strictly dedicated to shopping: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. But what about a day to give back?
Enter the national movement, #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is a day to encourage others to donate and give back to the charity of their choice. Instead of focusing on food or deals, it's a day to focus on helping others.
As you might can tell from the hashtag in the name, #GivingTuesday is a movement that was motivated and continues to thrive through social media. Though you are encouraged to donate, you can also help by sharing the tag #GivingTuesday in your tweets or online posts.
If you'd like to take part in #GivingTuesday and the Jimmie Hale Mission is your charity of choice, then click here to make your donation now. You can also donate your gently-used items as well. Just click here to learn more about making your in-kind donation.
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Nov 26
2012It's no longer Thanksgiving, but we're still thankful for YOU - our donors, volunteers and supporters.
Volunteers head out to deliver mealsAs a small gesture of our appreciation, we'd like to highlight some recent news stories about the good works that your support generated this Thanksgiving. See our volunteers and donor dollars in action...
ABC 33/40 covers our Thanksgiving meals - from serving in the kitchen to following meal delivery drivers!
CBS 42 shows meals served and packaged and talks with Tony about what all this helps means.
Thank you again for your support this Thanksgiving - we could not do it without YOU! If you'd like continue your goodwill through Christmas, click here to donate now or click here to learn more about volunteering.
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