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Guidelines For Holiday Giving LINCOLN - Nearly 40 percent of the year's charitable donations are made during the months of November and December. Consumers should be aware that not all groups presenting themselves as charities are legitimate. Some organizations use names that sound similar to our favorite charities with the intent to deceive givers. Others may misrepresent how your donation will be used. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office suggests that before pledging your financial gift to a charitable organization, you consider the following: K With so many promoters and charities asking for contributions, it is easy to confuse one charity with another. Always ask the charity for the complete name and address of their organization. A Nebraska address for the charity does not necessarily mean the charity is Nebraska based, or that your contribution will be used locally. Contributions addressed to a post office box or suite number may be picked up and sent to another state. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a charity, check with the Attorney General's office, the local Better Business Bureau, or the National Charities Information Bureau, 19 Union Square West, Dept. FT, New York, NY 10003-3395, 212-929-6300. Be aware, however, there could still be problems with a charity--even without complaints on file. F ind Out How Your Gift Will Be UsedDo not assume that 100 percent of your contribution will go to the charitable cause. All charities have expenses in raising money. Request information in writing concerning the charity's specific programs and services before you agree to a donation. Find out what percentage of the charity's annual income goes to programs and services, administrative expenses, and fundraising activities. Be wary when less than 60% of your donation goes to programs and services, or more than 40% goes to fundraising. D on't Give In To High Pressure Telephone AppealsBe wary of charities that harass you to contribute or use strong emotional appeals that may distort the charity's purpose. A reputable charity will welcome your questions and will be willing to send you a copy of the charity's annual report or financial statement. Never agree to mail a cash contribution and consider sending your donation by check rather than giving a credit card number or bank account or debit card number to a telephone solicitor. This is the season when many of us want to share with others. Make sure your charitable donations go to a reputable charity that will use them wisely. For more information regarding charities or any other consumer issue, or to obtain a copy of the "Check It Out" charitable giving brochure, contact: Attorney
General's Office
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