Reply #44: What is the self interest? [View All]

[Ms. Toad]

All it is doing is raising money so that it can feed hungry people and put to use good food that would otherwise go to waste.

In addition, you absolutely can get tax breaks for charitable deductions - every single person who has any income at all may deduct all charitable deductions from their income for tax purposes (except in the upper income when you run into alternative minimum tax limitations, or when you are donating disproportionately large amounts to charity). Toys for Tots advertises contributions to its organization as tax deductible - just like Feeding America/Second Harvest does (e.g. http://www.mclwestchester.org/Programs/ToysForTots.aspx )

Many people CHOOSE not to deduct their charitable donations because the flat amount the government lets everyone subtract (the standard deduction)) is larger than their itemized (which include charitable) deductions, so it is a better deal for them. That doesn't mean you are prohibited from choosing to list out and deduct the possibly smaller donations you made to charity (along with other things like mortgage interest, state taxes, property taxes, etc.

Do a little independent research - this charity is one of the best.