Families impacted by domestic violence can obtain a fresh start in 2012 with end-of-year giving to Laura’s House
Posted on December 12, 2011
Monetary, in-kind donations of goods and services are gratefully accepted. Through Center for Car Donations, supporters still have time to donate a vehicle and receive a 2011 tax receipt.
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 12, 2011 – With the end of the 2011 tax year just around the corner, Laura’s House would like to remind the community that there is still time to donate monetary, and in-kind goods and services before the end of the year, and receive a 2011 tax receipt for the donation.
“As the year closes, we invite our supporters to consider those families in need who are just starting a new and healthier life in coming year,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’ s House. “There are many ways to help Laura’s House, including making a year-end donation in honor of a loved one or family member, donating gently worn clothing to our Resale Store, or donating a used vehicle to Center For Car Donations.”
For vehicle donations, Laura’s House partners with the Center for Car Donations, a national organization whose mission is to assist charities nationwide by providing them with a means to accept donated vehicles.
“100 percent of the proceeds that we receive from the sale of used vehicles through the Center for Car Donations is used to support our counseling and shelter services that Laura’s House provides to families impacted by domestic violence,” continued Bayston. “We have partnered with the organization since 2006, during which time we have received more than 75 car donations, and raised more $45,000. We are grateful to Jacquie Elliott at Center for Car Donations for helping us raise the much-needed funds that enable the families we serve to build lives that are free of violence.”
Individuals wishing to donate an unwanted or unused vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks or RVs, can call 877-411-DONATE to set up a convenient pick-up time for the vehicle. Same day and weekend appointment may be available. The donor can then designate that the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle be allocated toward Laura’s House. Upon the sale of the vehicle, donors will receive a receipt for the sale amount.
To qualify for a tax deduction during the 2011 tax year, all vehicles must be picked up by the Center for Car Donations by Dec. 31, 2011. Vehicles do not have to pass a smog test, be operational or registered. However, the donor must be the legal titleholder of the vehicle, and must show clear title. Additionally, all donated vehicles must have an engine and be towable.
The IRS allows the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of :
- The value of the vehicle up to $500 or
- If the vehicle for more than $500 donors are notified by mail, stating the exact amount for which it sold, which is the value that can be stated for tax purposes.
For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf. Donors are also encouraged to check with their tax professional to determine the exact benefit of their donation.
Through the end of the year, Laura’s House is also offering several other ways that the community can help the families its serves through the “Spirit of Empowerment Program.” To help the families served by Laura’s House regain their dignity and self esteem by providing directly to their individual needs with Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble; Costco; CVS Pharmacy; Kohl’s; Local Grocery Stores; Gas & Phone Cards; Old Navy; Payless Shoes; RiteAid; Target; Toys-R-Us; Wal-Mart; bus passes; and for local restaurants including Denny’s; Jack in the Box; McDonalds; Taco Bell; TOGO’S; Subway; Bagel Shack and Starbucks Coffee.
More information on the Laura’s House “Spirit of Empowerment” holiday program can be found at www.laurashouse.org/events or by calling (949) 361-3775.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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