by Doreen Martel

Created on: December 04, 2009

Most people have heard of Special Olympics and some have been fortunate enough to enjoy viewing the sports that they are so famous for. Since Special Olympics depends on donations, many people are interested in how they can help Special Olympics with donations. Here are some of the ways that you can donate to Special Olympics

A) Your old car/boat - If you search the Internet you will find many reputable companies that will take a car or boat and turn that into cash and send the money to Special Olympics. If you elect to do this, please verify that the company is legitimate and find out how much of the money raised from your donation will actually go to Special Olympics.

B) Memorial Donation - If you have recently lost a friend or a loved one, you might want to consider making donation to Special Olympics in their name. This is appropriate if the family has not asked for a specific charity to be recognized with memorial donations.

C) Matching Donations - If you help Special Olympics with a personal donation, find out if your company has a matching gift program. Special Olympics does have an IRS 501(c)(3) designation that would qualify for matching corporate donations.

D) Buy holiday cards - Special Olympics offers a variety of holiday cards that are suitable for holiday giving. These make not only a wonderful surprise for the recipient but also help Special Olympics.

E) Planned giving - Consider making a bequest to Special Olympics when you are doing your estate planning. This gift leaves a lasting legacy.

F) Special events - Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, Retirements all present an opportunity to help Special Olympics with donations. Rather than gifts that you might not need (or want) consider asking for donations to Special Olympics in lieu of gifts.

G) Airline Miles - Allow Special Olympics Athletes to get to the next event! If you are serious business traveler who has accumulated airline miles that you may not be able to use, consider offering to help Special Olympics with donations of airline miles.

H) Auctions - If you have items that you are considering selling on eBay, consider donating part (or all) of the proceeds to Special Olympics. List your sale items with eBay Giving Works/MissionFish and specify Special Olympics as the recipient. Consider shopping for items in the "for sale" area that will benefit Special Olympics.

Summary

There are many ways to help Special Olympics with donations. Learn more by visiting the website for Special Olympics and select "Ways to Give".

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