Originally Posted by littlelionspreschool:
Hello All,
I am fairly new to the daycare business as I opened in the summer of 2012. This year, I had an unusual circumstance in which a parent was diagnosed with cancer. The family had no insurance, so I decided to give their child free care to take some of the burden off their family around the holiday (gave free care for December 2013/January 2014). What I am wondering is, would I be able to use this as any kind of deduction for tax purposes? (maybe as a gift/donation?) My tax preparer is not very helpful! 
I commend you for your generosity. Unfortunately, you cannot claim this as a charitable deduction, either as a business or personal expense. The reason is because the family is not a tax-exempt charity. You can deduct the food, supplies you spent on this child. But, the money you didn't receive is not a deduction.