END OF YEAR GIVING - DECEMBER 11, 2019 - 3
Assisting those in need in our Community.
Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri
11 AM - 2 PM
HELPING HANDS COALITION
HELPING HANDS COALITION
4590 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE
LOCATED AT THE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer
helpinghandsfl orence.org
✔ Things we are in desperate need of:
Tents- 2+ man size
Sleeping Bags- warm to below 30 degrees
Tarps- 10x12
Toothpaste
Warm Socks
Foot Care Products
Canned Food Items
Toilet Paper
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
Our mission is to assist the homeless, destitute and needy in
our community. We don’t replicate what other organizations
are doing in our area; instead we operate a drop-in day
center and referral system. Th e center off ers, those in need,
a safe place where they fi nd out about services available in
the community and get advice on how to apply for assistance
locally, statewide and nationwide. Helping Hands Coalition
provides direct and practical help as well as hot meals on
days other groups are not providing food; vouchers for
laundry, bus tickets, prescriptions, utilities, warm clothing,
tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment, etc.,
articles of hygiene, and items for pets; a place for them to
collect phone messages and receive their mail; as well as
a place to just catch their breath and fi gure out what and
where to go next without judgement of any kind.
Th e center treats all visitors with respect,
dignity and compassion,
AND WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION OR JUDGEMENT
OF ANY KIND.
End of Year Giving
December 11, 2019
4 - END OF YEAR GIVING - DECEMBER 11, 2019
Charitable giving and taxes
Many people donate to nonprofi t organizations and
other philanthropic groups out of a personal desire to
do good for others. Such charitable giving can improve
the lives of others and may make donors eligible for tax
deductions.
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, donors
may deduct charitable contributions of money or prop-
erty made to qualifi ed organizations. Th ese generally
include religious organizations, veterans organizations,
nonprofi t groups qualifi ed under section 170(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and some other groups as well.
Th e Canada Revenue Agency lists registered charities,
registered low-cost housing corporations, national arts
service organizations, registered Canadian amateur ath-
letic associations, and some educational universi-
ties among the organizations that may qualify do-
nors for tax deductions.
Canadian individuals and businesses generally can
claim deductions and gift s of up to 75 percent of
net income. In the United States, the IRS states one
generally may deduct up to 50 percent of adjusted
gross income, but 20 percent and 30 percent limi-
tations apply in some cases.
Giving can constitute cash and non-cash dona-
tions, advises the charity watchdog organization
Charity Navigator. For example, deductions for
donations of clothing and household items that are
in “good condition or better” may qualify donors
for tax deductions. Donors are advised to bring
items to reputable charities that will issue a receipt for
their value. An appraisal may be requested for more ex-
pensive items.
All donations require a paper trail and proof of charita-
ble contribution. Th e Government of Canada states that
offi cial donation receipts from registered charities and
other qualifi ed organizations should be kept in a safe
place. While these receipts need not be submitted at the
time of fi ling (whether on paper returns or electronic fi l-
ings), they should be kept for fi ve years in the event they
are subjected to review.
Timing donations properly is key. Th e IRS says that con-
tributions made in cash or other property must be made
before the close of the tax year to be deductible.
A tax treaty between the United States and Canada al-
lows for some deduction of donations made to charities
across the border. Again, it is best to consult with a tax
professional in these matters as some contributions to
foreign organizations are not deductible.
Charitable giving has many benefi ts, including feeling
good about oneself, helping the less fortunate and the
fi nancial reward of qualifying for some tax breaks.
Grace and gratitude share the same origin and that is so demonstrated here
at the Florence Food Share. Gifts fl ow so generously in the forms of time and
money and food items it is immeasurable. The pantry serves over 3000+
individuals and families every month. The grace that is shown is so great that
gratitude does not cover it. The pantry distributes over 50,000 pounds or food
each month. Some we received from Food for Lane County for pennies on
pound. A single dollar stretches a long way. Staff is very bare bones, but the
pantry is always a hustling hub of eager volunteers.
Gratitude does not stop with a “Thank you” and a content family. It is also
amazing how often last month’s recipient becomes this month’s donor or
volunteer.
Need is a personal thing. Family needs are different then travelers’ needs.
There are youth that are displaced by family issues or recently lost their job.
Most needed are peanut butter, canned meat and soup (pull top cans make
these easy for travelers.) Things like canned vegetables and tomatoes, mac
and cheese, fl our, oats, potatoes, onions, milk and eggs are greatly appreciated
by folks with homes and stoves.
2190 Spruce Street, Florence
541-997-9110
While we are very grateful for the recent outpouring of generosity, please clip
this “Thank you” and place in on your refrigerator and think of us from time-to-
time next spring and summer because the need is not seasonal.