Donating to Veterans Organizations

DON’T DONATE UNLESS YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE

This time of year seems to be when we are solicited by many groups for donations to help Veterans. My phone doesn’t stop ringing with people trying to find out if such and such group is on the up and up. My regular advice is to donate to only those organizations that you know are legit! I recommend the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Those folks are the real deal. A lot of others unfortunately, are in it to cash in on your generosity.

The organization you're eyeing should be upfront about how donated money is spent. Find out what percentage of your dollar goes towards the actual charitable services it provides, vs. the amount spent on costs like administration or fundraising. For-profit fundraisers who call on behalf of charities may keep anywhere from 25 to 95 cents of every dollar they collect!

You may get phone calls or see them soliciting in front of supermarkets and other large stores; they may be dressed up in military type (camouflage) pants and jackets. Chances are that it’s all a scam designed to get you to donate to their cause. DON”T WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY!!!

Some of the groups are legal, meaning that they are registered and are protected by our State laws; however they are not legally responsible to give any specific amount to Veterans!!! That’s why I recommend that you donate to the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the VFW.  Posted on 11/15/2011