HARVEY: It’s hard to watch so many fellow Americans lose homes, a sense of security and even loved ones without wanting to offer your support.
But it’s also hard to know where your money is actually going when you donate to the cause.
Several state agencies have shared advice to people who want to help.
“As a tremendous number of people, businesses and service organizations throughout the country begin collecting and donating goods and services to assist storm survivors in Texas, the Pennsylvania Department of State, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro want Pennsylvanians to know how they can best help and not hinder rescue and recovery efforts while also protecting themselves,” stated a press release from the agencies.
According to state officials, monetary donations are more useful than donations of food, clothing and other supplies, as “unsolicited materials can overwhelm organizations that are tasked with helping survivors but are unprepared to store, sort and distribute large quantities of donated goods.”
They recommend making “check and credit card donations to well-established, charitable organizations that are assisting the flood relief effort.”
The three agencies shared these tips:
• “Do not give to a charity you know nothing about.” Research the organization online or check with the Better Business Bureau.
• “Do not donate over the phone unless you are familiar with the organization.”
• Check for identification if someone is soliciting door-to-door. “Do not feel pressured into giving and allowing someone into your house.”
• Don’t give personal financial information over the phone, and don’t wire money to anyone claiming to be from a charity.
• “Whenever possible, write a check payable to the charity so you have a record of your donation. Or make a donation directly through a legitimate organization’s secure website, rather than a third-party website.”
• Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or on social media. Assume that unsolicited donations requests are scams — email links may even contain malware.
