Find the most commonly asked questions about gifts in kind below.

These guidelines are given with priority on the final recipients and with consideration for health, safety, and customs regulations. If you'd like additional help or have questions not mentioned below, we are happy to connect with you by email or by phone at (334) 288-1188.

What are gifts in kind?

Gifts in kind (also called in-kind donations) are charitable gifts in which, instead of donating funds for needed goods and services, the goods and services themselves are given. Gifts in kind are distinguished from gifts of cash or stocks. Examples of in-kind donations include food, clothes, medicines, furniture, office equipment, and building materials.

What should I keep in mind when donating?

As a general guideline for gifts in kind, give with excellence and with the purpose of meeting real needs of the children and teens in our care. A good rule of thumb is to keep this question in mind: Could I personally put this in the hands of a child and say, "This is my gift for you. You are special, and I want you to have this from myself and my family"?

Are gifts in kind tax deductible?

The value of your gift may, in many cases, be tax deductible. You will have to estimate the dollar value of your gift (unfortunately, we are not able to provide this for you), and the IRS has specific rules concerning deductibility of such gifts. For full details, we recommend that you consult a professional tax advisor.

Do you have specific guidelines for donating clothes?

Clothing, by far, constitutes the largest type of gifts in kind we receive. In order to be good stewards of time and resources, we ask that clothing donations meet the following guidelines:

  • Please send clean, washed clothing only

  • Please, only new underwear and socks

  • Please, no stained, torn, ripped, or faded clothing of any kind

  • Please ensure that clothes are free from animal hair

  • Please do not send clothing with missing buttons, broken zippers, broken elastic or broken/missing clasps

  • Please do not send clothing with questionable or inappropriate innuendos, slogans, logos, brands, or printing of any kind

  • Please send clothing appropriate for people between the ages of birth to 22 years old. We do not have a great need for clothing beyond those ages. For reference, the majority of our girls are no larger than a size 6, and our boys no larger than a 36 inch waist.

  • Shoes must be new. Used shoes will not be accepted.

What about beauty products and toiletries?

We are always in need of toiletries and beauty products! All hygiene and beauty products must be new and in the original packaging. The items we regularly require are:

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Razors and shaving foam

  • Hairbrushes and combs

  • Bodywash

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Make up

  • Lotion, perfume, and cologne

  • Nail polish remover

  • Cotton balls/buds

Do you accept other types of items?

Yes! Here are a few other categories:

Linens. Please send only new bedding, towels, pillows, etc.

Stuffed animals. Plush toys must be new with labels on them.

Toys. Please do not send broken toys, toys and puzzles with missing pieces, etc.

Books. Keep in mind that most of the children in our care do not speak English. Toddler picture books work great. The teens in our care are generally proficient in English, so teen-appropriate material in English is acceptable.

Where do I send my in-kind donations?

Stella's Voice
Attn: Gifts in Kind
28 Firetower Rd
Wetumpka, AL 36093


Photo: Zach and Jenny Hoffman

 
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