WHEN YOU WANT TO GIVE BUT DON’T HAVE CASH

Try this on: You’ve decided to scale back your holiday hoopla this year by spending less on gifts, giving more to charity and getting closer to the spiritual side of celebration. Joy to the world feels right. Glitter and tinsel do not.

The problem is that many of us are feeling cash-poor. So instead, consider noncash donations this season, say, computers or mobile phones, fur coats or furnishings, an old auto, or other such tangibles.

If that hits nerves for you, keep these tips in mind.

Make sure the item you plan to contribute will actually be useful to the organization or nonprofit you’ve identified.

Most charities can only make use of items that are new, unused, or nearly new. If you’ve had enough of that tattered couch or clunky washing machine, chances are your charity won’t want it, either.

Instead, think about selling the items on your own, then giving the cash to a charity, which will give the group greater flexibility. By selling the items yourself, you’ll also know the exact value of the donation to report to the IRS.

Last, find a local charity for your gift. Shipping or transportation costs can eat away at much of the item’s value. Call around to ask charities if they accept the kind of item you want to donate and, if not, ask for suggestions.

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