Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 12, 1990 TAG: 9003102518
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: tammy poole
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Sponsored by various charities, the yellow toy-like cannisters with sloping sides are placed in restaurants and stores nationwide by individuals who keep most of the donations for themselves, according to the division.
Donors think that all the donations will be given to the particular charity sponsoring the well, according to the division. But in most instances, the charity receives only a flat fee for allowing the wishing well distributors to collect money in their name. This fee usually amounts to only $1.50 to $2.50 per month for each machine they put their name on.
The person placing the wells in the stores or restaurants receives the remaining funds from the wells. The wells are individually owned by independent vendors who buy them directly from the manufacturer, or from marketing companies who sell regional distributorships through the mail.
The store owner who allows the distributor to place a wishing well in his establishment receives no money at all. Some have complained they felt deceived by the arrangement becuase they didn't realize that only a small portion of the money collected would go to the charity.
Since the charity receives only a flat monthly fee it has no way of determining how much money is actually collected. Some charities have agreed to place their name on these machines, which are then distributed to thousands of locations. The manufacturers and distributors claim that because the charity doesn't have to provide any of the money or labor involved, they're getting a fair deal. It's the donor with good intentions, however, who isn't getting a fair deal, according to the division.
Virginians give more than $3.5 million daily to charitable organizations, not counting religious organizations. Charities rely on the public's generosity and support to operate. Unfortunately, so do individual vendors who hope to get rich quick from that same generosity, the division says. Consumers who wish to give to charitable cause would do better to donate directly to the charity.
If you have questions about a particular charity or professional solicitor, call the division at (800) 552-9963 to find out if it is registered as required by law.
Quickline helps consumers get service, information and refunds of more than $25. Mail complaints, questions to Quickline, Roanoke Times & World-News, Box 2491, Roanoke 24010.
by CNB