Financial Donations
Your financial donations are used to support our mission of serving and empowering refugees! Financial donations equip us to provide vital programs that serve our newest neighbors as they move toward self-sustainability. We appreciate any and all gifts!
Prefer to send a check? Wonderful! Please make checks out to “City of Refuge” and send to 10 N. Garth Avenue, Columbia, MO 65203. Thank you!
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In-Kind Gifts
Frequently
asked questions
Still need help? Contact us
We accept donations from non-smoking homes that include kitchen and bathroom housewares, home decor, seasonal shoes and clothing in good condition with no rips or tears (newborn through adult), electronics, toys, sheet sets, comforters, blankets, rugs and towels. Basically any item to set up a new home.
All smaller donations can be dropped off at our drive through donation drop off located at 10 N. Garth, Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm. Please do not leave donations outside the door after hours. Those items will be discarded. Larger items need to be submitted online for approval.
We do! We ask that you fill out this furniture donation form and submit a picture. This allows us to show families what items are available. Once the item is claimed based on need, we can then schedule a pickup which allows us to pick the item up directly from you and deliver it to its new home. We do not accept furniture at our drive through donation drop off.
You can put items in tubs, boxes, plastic bags, trash bags, etc. We simply ask that all donations brought to us not be loose items. Please plan accordingly (i.e. if you have your items in a plastic bin, but don’t wish to donate the bin, please put them in a container you are okay parting with).
We ask that all items be in good/used, like new or new condition and contain all of their pieces for use. Please do not bring items that are chipped, broken or need repair. Due to the high volume of items we receive, we do not have the ability to fix any items, even those requiring a small amount of work.
We sort items to stock a shopping area that is strictly for the use of our refugee friends and families. All items are free and we focus on items that are in immediate need like clothing, shoes, kitchen and bathroom necessities, linens and bedding, toys, baby items, etc. With other items not in direct need or given in abundance, we sell to the general public in our resale shop, City Boutique, which is located on site. 100% of money raised at City Boutique goes right back into refugee care here at City of Refuge.
Donation Needs
Basic Need Items
- Toilet Paper
- Laundry detergent pods
- Bar soap
- any items on our Amazon Wishlist
Furniture & Household
- Gently used furniture with all pieces
- Decor
- Cookware
Clothing
- New or gently used in-season clothing
- New socks and underwear
- New shoes for kids
Toys & books
- New or gently used
toys with all pieces - English learning
books
Love Your Neighbor Campaign
City of Refuge is a community-funded organization. Our programs and services are primarily supported because of modest, regular giving or one-time gifts. Would you consider partnering with us this month?
City of Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For information about RMDs and QCDs, see below!
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) & Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Required Minimum Distributions:
What is an RMD? A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts, such as an IRA or 401(k), each year once you reach a certain age. The IRS mandates these withdrawals to ensure that retirement savings are used during your lifetime, rather than passed on indefinitely.
When Do RMDs Start? RMDs must begin by April 1st of the year following the year you turn 73. If you reach age 73 in 2024 or later, this applies to you.
How Are RMDs Calculated? The amount depends on your account balance and life expectancy. The IRS provides a Uniform Lifetime Table to help calculate the minimum amount.
What Accounts Are Affected? Traditional IRAs; 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plans; SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs
What Happens if You Don’t Take an RMD? Failing to take the RMD results in a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn. You will also owe regular income taxes on the distribution.
Make Your RMD a Gift with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
If you’re 70½ or older, you can direct up to $108,000 from your IRA to charity without paying income tax on the withdrawal, using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
How Do QCDs Work? You can make a QCD directly from your IRA to a qualified charity like City of Refuge. The amount of the QCD counts toward your RMD for the year. Since QCDs are not included in your taxable income, they can help reduce your overall tax burden.
Why Choose a QCD? Tax Savings: The gift is excluded from your taxable income, unlike regular RMDs. Supporting City of Refuge: Your QCD donation helps us continue empowering communities and changing lives.
How to Make a QCD Donation:
- Contact Your IRA Custodian: Inform them you wish to make a QCD.
- Direct the Donation: Specify the amount and ensure the donation goes directly to City of Refuge.
- Verify Your Eligibility: Ensure you’re 70½ or older to make a QCD.
For more information or assistance with QCD donations, you should consult with your attorney, tax professional, or financial advisor regarding your situation.
