Come January, most of us are literally and figuratively spent. But, now is a great time to make a real impact on the patients of Hospice of the Red River Valley or other causes most important to you … and you don’t need your checkbook or credit card! Consider the following cashless ways to give:
Donate. Get a jump on your tax return by donating furniture, decorative items, or other household items or clothing to Heirlooms Thrift & Gift, the upscale resale store that supports the work of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Why it makes sense: It’s better to repurpose some of those things you never use than to buy more storage boxes to keep them in! And, your donation is tax deductible.
Volunteer. Hospice volunteers are vital, and provide essential support in our day-to-day work. Whether assisting patients and families, helping in the office or at our resale store, our volunteers make a difference. Learn more.
Why it makes sense: There’s a place for everyone who has a heart to give back in this special way. You’ll get a tremendous sense of accomplishment from helping others, while giving back to terminally ill individuals in your community, their families and an organization who needs you.
Designate. Name Hospice of the Red River Valley as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. Typically, the need for life insurance declines with age, which makes this cashless way to give a popular charitable gift.
Why it makes sense: Hospice (or another favorite cause) receives a generous gift in the future without you having to give up cash today. It’s also flexible. You can adjust your plans every year with a new beneficiary form.
Reconsider. Include Hospice of the Red River Valley as one of the beneficiaries of your retirement plan assets. When your retirement plan income is paid to individuals upon your death, income taxes will be assessed on these individuals. But a tax-exempt charity, such as Hospice of the Red River Valley, may inherit these assets tax-free!
Why it makes sense: You can turn your most tax-heavy assets into tax-free assets, while making a difference in the lives of others.
Open. Move a CD or other cash into a Payable Upon Death (POD) account. Opening this regular bank account names a person or favorite charity as the recipient once the account holder dies.
Why it makes sense: It’s easy, and you don’t need to involve an attorney or accountant to establish a POD account to direct your money to a favorite cause in the future. And it doesn’t cost you a dime during your lifetime!
Add. Consider adding Hospice of the Red River Valley, or another charity, to your will or trust through a bequest designation. We give all our lives when we support churches and other nonprofit organizations. Why not give a percentage bequest in your will or trust to two or three of those you feel most strongly must continue?
Why it makes sense: Your loved ones will know with certainty how you have chosen to leave a lasting legacy. Adding bequest designations to your will can be done when you regularly review your legal affairs with an attorney. Or, you may choose to write a codicil to your will or an amendment to your trust; be sure to send a copy of either of these to your attorney.
Donate. Volunteer. Designate. Reconsider. Open. Add. Which one will you choose? Imagine the end-result if each of us acted on just one of these strategies!
There are a number of ways to give to Hospice of the Red River Valley. For more information, please visit our website or call us at 800-237-4629.
About Hospice of the Red River Valley
In 1981, Hospice of the Red River Valley was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality end-of-life care. We fulfill our nonprofit mission by providing medical, emotional, personal and spiritual care, as well as grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during a tender time in life. Our staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever a patient calls home. The organization serves more than 40,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota, including in and around Bismarck, Detroit Lakes, Devils Lake, Fargo, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Thief River Falls, Valley City and many more communities. Hospice of the Red River Valley offers round-the-clock availability via phone, prompt response times and same-day admissions, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact us anytime at 800-237-4629 or hrrv.org.
