Can I deduct receipts for purchasing items requested by church

Our church is collecting items to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. can I deduct these expenses using my receipts for items I purchased or does church need to write me a receipt for items?

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Deduction of receipts
by: MarcusNTexas

I agree 100% with Lewis in NC. These kinds of contributions should strictly be between the donor and the IRS without involving the church treasurer. Just be sure to maintain your records of such donations for the required period of time in case of an IRS audit.
Use receipts for proof of purchases
by: Lewis in NC

For the church to be obligated to give a receipt for these items would be a bookkeeping nightmare. Use your own receipts and hope it works as these purchases are legitimate donations.

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