Salvation Army

Ok, so I have gone through all of my wardrobe in order to streamline and cut down on laundry. It not only saves water, it saves me lots of work (I am a hardcore procrastinator). I then washed and bagged all of the clothes that I planned on never wearing again. I proceeded to take the bags down to the local Salvation Army, rather than pick out the nicest stuff and sell it to the consignment store like I used to. I felt guilty for selling what someone needs right now to stay warm. Somebody is going to be walking around Lexington looking mighty dapper, if I must say so myself!
As I walked into the Salvation Army, the lady at the counter directs me where to place the bags. After doing so, she offers me a form in which I could apply for a tax return (or something like that) for bringing in the clothes and shoes. I was confused: not that I am this patron saint or anything, but why the bleep would I want money (or even credit for that matter) back for donating things I didn't wear, and in return giving someone much needed cover?
She gave me an even more confused look when I said, "No thanks, I don't need to write off providing clothing to the needy on my taxes." I was not trying to be a overly-righteous arrogant jerk, but I was kind of offended that people would ask the government for money, or lowered taxes, for helping the homeless and needy.
Maybe it does make sense, but not to me. I am working on being a servant-leader, and I felt that asking for the tax form would be nullifying the deed I had just performed. Again, I merely saw it as sharing something I no longer needed or wanted. I do not want to sound "high and mighty."
I was brought up learning that to much is given, much is expected. I have been more than lucky, and have (had) enough clothing for three guys, let alone someone who loves to re-wear jeans and t-shirts without washing them until they are unbearable!
I know I already posted for this week, but I needed to share what I thought was indicative of a culture that doesn't like doing things without something in return...
I also felt guilty because this wardrobe streamlining project was supposed to be a pre-Christmas/cold weather activity so that the people who needed the clothes could go into the season prepared. I guess it is better late than never...