***Beware of door-to-door, telephone, and mail appeals, especially if they ask for your Social Security or checking account number. Contact the BBB, and report if solicitors use threats, pressure tactics, or harassment.
***There is NO such thing as "All proceeds go to charity". Donations also cover managerial and operational costs.
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING!
!.) Be a volunteer. Give some of your time by working at a shelter. Shelters often need volunteers to serve food, distribute clothing, or do clerical work.
2.) If you enjoy working with children, offer tutoring or mentoring to a child at a shelter. Sometimes help is needed in organizing field trips, picnics, or other events.
3.) Don't throw out those old clothes. Instead, donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Other great items to donate are: toys, games, stuffed animals, books, furniture, kitchenware, household goods. When giving to a foodbank don't forget to include toiletries and personal care items.
4.) If you're part of a church/community group, hold a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to a charitable organization for the poor. It's also a good idea to hold food/clothing drives. Donations usually slump in periods between holidays, so contributions made during these times can have tremendous impact.
5.) Have a knack for carpentry? Volunteer to build or repair homes for Habitat For Humanity. Call
800-422-4828
6.) Write to your Congressperson about the issue of poverty and homelessness. Urge them to create and pass legislation that would give the poor a better chance for a good life.
Write to Senators:
The Honorable_______
United States Senate
Washington, D.C, 20510
Write to Representatives:
The Honorable_______
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.c 20515 Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
7.) Don't have any money to donate? Try shelving the usual cappuccino and drink regular coffee for a week. A few dollars and cents can really add up!