Charitable Donations

 The County Executive’s Office of Consumer Affairs has some tips to help you make wise choices when deciding who and how to donate to:

1. Don’t give cash to any group or individual at any time. You can't track your gift and you will not have a record of it.

2. Ask questions about the organization and how the funds will be disbursed — if you get the “run around,” “run away” and give elsewhere.

3. Only give checks or money orders made out to the organization. Never to an individual.

4. Money is greatly preferred over goods. Logistics become a headache and can be more trouble than the goods are worth.

5. Don’t respond to telephone, door-to-door, mail or internet solicitations. NEVER give your credit card or personal information to unsolicited contacts. Ask them to put their request in the mail to you.

6. You can check claims of “tax deductible” at www.irs.gov (pub. 78).

7. Check listing of organizations at the Better Business Bureau Web Site. Their Wisc Giving Alliance offers tips and information on solicitations and groups at http://wvvw.give.org.

For more information go to the Consumer Affairs web site at www.suffolkcountyny.gov click on depts., then Consumer Affairs.