
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 29, 1993                   TAG: 9307290202
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CELESTE KATZ
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DON'T HESITATE TO ASK BEFORE GIVING TO CHARITY

The state Division of Consumer Affairs urges citizens interested in donating to the flood relief effort to be careful and inquisitive about to whom they donate money and where the funds are going. The department warns to keep these things in mind when considering making a donation:

Don't give in to "sob stories" or to pressure. If the organization is legitimate, it will not expect you to contribute immediately if you are unfamiliar with its cause or services.

Don't be hasty. If you are contacted by an organization you're unfamiliar with, learn as much from the representative as you can and ask that literature about the charity be sent to you.

Ask the solicitor where your money will go - usually, a professional solicitor will keep 80 percent to 90 percent of the funds collected, and the rest will go to the charity. Ask how much will be spent on administrative needs and how much will actually make it to the disaster area.

If a charity seems legitimate, make a donation in the form of a check made out to the organization, not an individual. If you must donate in cash, always ask for a receipt.

To find out if a charity is registered, call the Division of Consumer Affairs at (804) 786-2042. Except for certain groups, organizations that solicit contributions in Virginia must register in accordance with the Virginia Solicitation of Contributions Law. The division also can provide a background check on registered charities. The Better Business Bureau at 342-3455 also can provide information.

by CNB