Americans are very generous, but remember, even if you itemize your tax return, you won't be able to deduct your donations if you don't have the right paperwork, so make sure for donations big and small you get a record of giving, or a receipt, cancelled checks, credit card statements, those are good too, and if you donate clothes or items from around the house, they must be in good condition. Finally, your donation must go to a qualified charity or house of worship to be deductible and don't forget the receipt.