I have a carriage that I would like to sell and replace for a newer version. I am planning to sell it for $600.00. Am I allowed to donate this carriage to someone that just had a baby and cannot afford a carriage and deduct the cost of the carriage from my Maaser account and use it toward my new carriage? I am doing this to help the person out but at the same time save myself the hassle of going through the selling process. Also if this person were to buy a carriage on their own I know they will not buy such an expensive carriage. This carriage will however make them feel more “up to date” and “in.”
Answer:
This would be the equivalent of taking maaser money and buying someone a stroller with it. If it is not merely a gift but for someone who can’t afford this basic need, it would be an appropriate use of Maaser funds. Here too you are ‘selling’ the stroller to your maaser fund, and as with all maaser it is at your discretion which charity to donate to.
