Charity Choices

Charity Choices

Charity Choices

With the holidays coming up and the tragic events of this past year, many people are reaching into their own pockets to help those in need. Unfortunately, there are many people who will take advantage of this generosity with charity scams. Solicitations can come in many forms, whether it's telemarketing, door-to-door, a booth at the mall, or e-mail. It is important to investigate to insure that your caring donation will reach those truly in need.

The number one rule to donating to charity is NEVER give your credit card number, bank account number or any other personal financial information to a charity until you find out all the information about them. Ask them for an address to mail the payment, and have them send you more information. A legitimate charity would be happy to send you more information. Your donation will be just as important to them in a couple of weeks than if you donate right away. It is also important to avoid sending cash. It can be lost or stolen, and it is easier to record if you make a payment by check. Ask for a receipt with the charities' name on it. Some donations can be tax-deductible with accurate records. You will need to itemize your donations and meet with a tax consultant to determine what is deductible.

You will want to ask for the name, address, and phone number of the charity, and whether or not it is registered. Verify with the charity office that there is a drive going on or if they are currently trying to solicit donations through the means that you have seen. Many people will use a similar name of a more popular and legitimate organization. Many organizations that nationally solicit and are legitimate are listed alphabetically at the Better Business Bureau's website (www.give.org/reports/index.asp). It is important to check, because in the wake of a tragedy many new charities will pop-up overnight, claiming to help aid victims. Even new groups with the best intentions, may not know the proper procedures to get your money where it needs to go to best aid in relief efforts.

Do not feel obligated to have to donate a large amount or even the suggested amount that a solicitor may ask for. Even a small amount will be appreciated. Do not let a solicitor "guilt" you into making a donation. Do not put your finances in jeopardy by giving too much. If donations do not fit into your budget then do not give. The best way to donate is to plan on making a yearly or monthly donation and have it figured into a part of your budget. This way you can research and choose an organization that you trust, and you can turn down any other donations, guilt free.

There are other ways you can help that doesn't always have to involve money. Donate some old toys or clothes that are still in good condition. These items are best used if donated to a local charity, as national charities prefer money contributions. This way they can purchase the specific items that are needed, and in some cases donated goods can cost the charity group more money to ship. Another donation that doesn't cost a cent is blood. Donating blood saves lives everyday and is in constant need.

If you are concerned that your donation will not stay in your own community, contact your local branch and ask how you can make a donation that stays and helps people specifically in your community.

It is important to ask what percentage of your donation is used to support the cause and what percentage is used to cover administrative costs. If you feel that a charity is not using enough of your donation on the cause, then you may want to choose to donate to a different organization.

Many legitimate charities need donations everyday of the year, not just when there is a disaster. We encourage everyone to skip a night out eating and make a contribution to help someone in need. We guarantee that it will be appreciated and you will be rewarded with a feeling of self pride.

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