**Yes—working for the charity does not, by itself, prevent you from deducting a donation to it.** Receiving its W-2 is not a problem. For U.S. federal income taxes, the usual charitable-donation rules apply: the organization must qualify, and your gift must be separate from any compensation or benefit you receive in exchange. [IRS charitable-contribution rules](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc506)

For the items you donate:

- **You must itemize deductions on Schedule A** to deduct donated property.
- **Use the items’ current fair market value**, generally their used resale value rather than their original purchase price. Special valuation rules apply to some property.
- **Keep records and get a receipt.** For a contribution of $250 or more, obtain a timely written acknowledgment describing the items and stating whether the charity provided anything in return. Clothing and household goods generally must be in good used condition or better. [IRS Publication 526](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p526)
- **Additional paperwork applies to larger donations:** Form 8283 generally is required when your total noncash deduction exceeds $500; deductions over $5,000 for an item or group of similar items generally require a qualified appraisal. [IRS Form 8283 guidance](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8283), [appraisal requirements](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8283)

**If you donate in 2026**, a new rule limits itemized charitable deductions to the portion of your total qualifying contributions exceeding 0.5% of your adjusted gross income, subject to other applicable limits. Consequently, a small donation may produce no deduction even though it qualifies as a charitable gift. [26 U.S.C. § 170](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section170&num=0&edition=prelim)