Goodwill is encouraging Americans to commit to donating 10 items before the end of 2012. During this busy time of year, many people are looking for ways to help those in need, and donating used goods is perhaps the easiest, most affordable and one of the most efficient ways to help.

“In a season when many of us are focused on gift buying, many Americans are also just as interested in giving back,” said Shannon Halverson of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.

Items donated before Dec. 31 can be written off as charitable contributions when tax time comes in 2013. The local Goodwill store is at 1037 S. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb, next to Schnucks.