A Timely Caveat on Giving

Wednesday’s editorial encourages readers to use caution choosing charitable organizations as they donate to relief efforts in Haiti.

Grand Strand residents, like Americans across the country and people around the globe, are responding with compassion and generosity to the heart-tugging situation in Haiti where help is beginning to reach victims of a devastating earthquake. As folks respond, S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond offers some timely advice: reach out wisely, especially if an organization new to you asks for money.

The following caveats from Charity Navigator do not apply to your church or chapters of the American Red Cross. Charity Navigator suggests giving to an established organization with a track record in dealing with disasters. “If you feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof that the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status. Verify the agency's legitimacy by using Internet-based resources rather than the charity's purported website.”

Charity Navigator also recommends designating one's gift and being “wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone.” Ask the telemarketer to send you written information about the charity. Donors may verify with the secretary of state's office that a soliciting organization is one of approximately 8,000 charitable organizations and 1,500 professional fundraisers registered with the state. Keep in mind that not all charities are required to register. Those with statutory exemptions include religious groups.

Even as the massive quake struck in Haiti, local folks from all walks of life were collecting food for the Extreme County-Wide Canned Food Drive. The United Way of Horry County is coordinating the drive so we need not fret that those cans of corn and beans will go to area food pantries. Likewise, financial donations to many entirely trustworthy charities – such as local Red Cross chapters – should not be any cause for concern. The scope of the disaster in Haiti suggests that rescue work and rebuilding – and the billions of dollars necessary – will continue for some time.

Angela Nicholas, chief executive of the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the Society of Stranders, the shag dancers group, presented a $10,000 check at a fundraiser that netted almost $15,000. At the Cape Fear Chapter in Wilmington, N.C., Autum Mihm reports hundreds of responses to the crisis in Haiti via phone calls, e-mails and walking in the office. Like Nicholas, Mihm says some folks responding want to volunteer. Both Red Cross chapters welcome volunteers and have ongoing training.

S.C. Secretary of State's Office

The Division of Public Charities has registered approximately 8,000 charitable organizations and 1,500 professional fundraisers.

At www.scsos.com, lick on “Charity Search” or “Public Charities” and go to “Helpful Websites for Charitable Giving.” Call 1-888-242-7484

Charity Navigator at www.charitynavigator.org has a special section on how to assist agencies that have a presence in Haiti.

Red Cross

Coastal S.C. Chapter, 2795 Pampas Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

www.coastalscarc.org, or call 843-477-0020

Cape Fear Chapter, 1102 S. 16th St., Wilmington, NC 28401

www.arccapefear.org, or call 910-762-2683

 

The following caveats from Charity Navigator do not apply to your church or chapters of the American Red Cross. Charity Navigator suggests giving to an established organization with a track record in dealing with disasters. “If you feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof that the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status. Verify the agency's legitimacy by using Internet-based resources rather than the charity's purported website.”

Charity Navigator also recommends designating one's gift and being “wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone.” Ask the telemarketer to send you written information about the charity. Donors may verify with the secretary of state's office that a soliciting organization is one of approximately 8,000 charitable organizations and 1,500 professional fundraisers registered with the state. Keep in mind that not all charities are required to register. Those with statutory exemptions include religious groups.

Even as the massive quake struck in Haiti, local folks from all walks of life were collecting food for the Extreme County-Wide Canned Food Drive. The United Way of Horry County is coordinating the drive so we need not fret that those cans of corn and beans will go to area food pantries. Likewise, financial donations to many entirely trustworthy charities – such as local Red Cross chapters – should not be any cause for concern. The scope of the disaster in Haiti suggests that rescue work and rebuilding – and the billions of dollars necessary – will continue for some time.

Angela Nicholas, chief executive of the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the Society of Stranders, the shag dancers group, presented a $10,000 check at a fundraiser that netted almost $15,000. At the Cape Fear Chapter in Wilmington, N.C., Autum Mihm reports hundreds of responses to the crisis in Haiti via phone calls, e-mails and walking in the office. Like Nicholas, Mihm says some folks responding want to volunteer. Both Red Cross chapters welcome volunteers and have ongoing training.

S.C. Secretary of State's Office

The Division of Public Charities has registered approximately 8,000 charitable organizations and 1,500 professional fundraisers.

At www.scsos.com, lick on “Charity Search” or “Public Charities” and go to “Helpful Websites for Charitable Giving.” Call 1-888-242-7484

Charity Navigator at www.charitynavigator.org has a special section on how to assist agencies that have a presence in Haiti.

Red Cross

Coastal S.C. Chapter, 2795 Pampas Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

www.coastalscarc.org, or call 843-477-0020

Cape Fear Chapter, 1102 S. 16th St., Wilmington, NC 28401

www.arccapefear.org, or call 910-762-2683