Ideas for Holiday Giving

This time of year tends to remind us of the needs around us.  We've put together a short list to help you get started if you are looking for an opportunity to give time, money, or both this holiday season. 

First, you should know about the Arizona Working Poor tax credit.  This credit allows you to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for giving to certain charities.  You can receive a tax credit of up to $400 when filing a joint tax return, or up to $200 when filing a single tax return. This means you can give and essentially get your donation back when you file your state taxes.  Go here for more information, including a complete list of qualifying charities. 

Here are a few giving ideas:

• Sponsor a family for Christmas through Save the Family.  
• Host a "Food and Funds" drive for United Food Bank.
• Volunteer your time or donate baby items, clothes, other items, or cash to the Child Crisis Center. 
• Most grocery stores and many other stores have bins at the front for holiday drives.  Fry's Grocery stores have teamed up with Channel 3 for a holiday food drive.   Safeway has pre-filled bags of groceries you can purchase for $10.  These are only a few ideas, there are many more around town.

Here's a short list of some other East Valley charities:

A New Leaf-- domestic violence and homeless shelters, foster care services, counseling, etc
Paz de Cristo - provides food and programs for homeless
Sirrine Adult Day Health Services
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Community Bridges
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Marc Center
East Valley Adult Resources
Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley

It's always a good way to keep in the proper spirit of the holidays to give to those who really need it.  We hope you'll consider some kind of charitable giving this season.