Charities see year-end rush

The cars lined up outside the Goodwill Donation Center at 4801 Grove Barton Road as the hours ticked away on 2010.

Late December is the busiest season for charities like GCF. Some donors are spurred by the spirit of the holiday season. Others are motivated to clear their old belongings to make room for Christmas gifts, and still others recognize that charitable donations can earn them a tax deduction.

For those who itemize when filing their taxes, Friday marks the deadline for donations to count on 2010 taxes.

"My wife is constantly buying new clothes, new books, et cetera, et cetera, so I just bring what we don't need over here," said Ed Entrup. 

GCF accepts clothing, small appliances and books in good condition. Becky Lytle, a GCF spokeswoman offered this rule of thumb, "If you won't give it to your favorite aunt, don't give it to us."

The donations were piled up inside the sorting area Thursday at Grove Barton Road, where employees readied them for the sales floor.

"They always told me, 'Wait until the end of the year,' and now it's like wow! It's very busy," said employee Sheri Oates.

Entrup said GCF's good work in the community is among the reasons he donates. 

"It's a good outfit to donate to," he said. "I really believe in it. They do a lot of good."

GCF resells donations at affordable prices in its retail stores and provides jobs through the stores and the sorting operation. It also offers free, online training in basic job and life skills and computer programs.

GCF of Eastern Carolina will add six locations in 2011. Included on the list are two locations in Holly Springs, one in Garner and one in Fayetteville.