How to Donate a Team's Old Football Equipment
Whether it is American football or traditional soccer, there are many youth organizations and programs around the world that are in need of used football equipment. Professional football organizations (and even college and semi-professional teams) have access to useful equipment that could be donated once it has had its wear.
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Instructions
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Starting the Donation Process
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Check the condition of the equipment you wish to donate. Donating equipment is only recommended if the equipment is in good condition and can be used to its fullest potential. It would not be fair to send an organization equipment that can no longer be used. It's a waste of postage and would be useless to the receiver.
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Research local, national and international youth organizations, churches, public schools and other programs that may be interested in receiving used football equipment. Compile a list of desired organizations and narrow down which one you think will best benefit from the used equipment.
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Call the receiving organization or program to see if it could in fact use the old football equipment. Although the program may cater to young athletes or appear to have a need, they may be stocked with enough donated items already. Be sure that they are in need before making plans to send the equipment.
Getting the Donations Ready
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Select who will receive the donations and get in contact with the proper personnel. Although many organizations and programs would certainly appreciate having new equipment, it may be more trouble to log the equipment and store it. Thus, it is important to establish a mutual agreement between those who are donating and those who are receiving.
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Package and send the items accordingly. If the equipment is fragile and could break easily, be sure to wrap it appropriately--use plenty of cushioning and protective wrapping. If the donations are being shipped, it is also suggested to have postage costs and packaging options chosen ahead of time.
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Do not forget to write the donations off on your taxes. In most cases, the team's accounting or finance department will handle keeping track of donations for the books. Nonetheless, donating team equipment qualifies as a generous tax write-off for the donating organization.
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Follow the equipment to see how it has benefited the group that received it. It is an admirable deed to donate equipment, but it is considered an added bonus if the donating football team visits the recipients. Including a blurb on the team's website about the donation, calling or visiting the organization that has taken the donations are all feasible follow-up steps.
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Tips & Warnings
Specialty stores that carry athletics equipment may also be interested in taking team equipment that is in good to fair condition. Contact the store's manager for additional details.
Once the items are donated, there should be no take-backs.
