Sometimes you can deduct more than just cash or noncash donations to charity.  Many expenses involved with a charitable function can be deductible as a donation if you are not reimbursed by the charity.  See this IRS tip about charitable deductions for travel and other out of pocket expenses:

http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/bulletins/c3932b?reqfrom=share

Always remember you have to be directly involved with the charitable function (chaparoning a church trip to the zoo or another city can be a donation but just going along to watch your kid in an out of town school play is not.)  As usual, document your expenses and explain the charitable reason for the deduction.  This can save many tax dollars to make things more affordable.

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