Be quick to help, slow to be duped

It has been heartening to see the way the community came behind, stood beside and is continuing to help one another following Horry County's horrific fires. Not the first time that friendships and cross-county relationships have had to stand the test of baptism of fire, but it was good to see that the close encounters of the horrible kind still bring folks together.
It is frightening to carry a burden alone.

To recover from losing it all is difficult but the help of others is a salve to a healing wound. First it was the comaraderie of firefighters from all departments and areas of the state that helped stem the tide of the seemingly relentless fire. In more recent days, it has been good to see that those needing help are getting it from their fellow citizens.

It will be good to continue to give to help out. But as is sometimes the case, when folks are suffering losses, there are those who would seek to take advantage of others' caring nature. The State's Secretary of State encourages South Carolinians wishing to help, to do so wisely. A quick search of the Secretary of State’s charities database at www.scsos.com could help donors verify worthy causes.

Click on the white “Charity Search” box and enter the name of the charity you are researching. Not all charities are required to register with the Secretary of State’s Office, such as religious groups or Congressionally-chartered veterans’ organizations, but a number are.

Users can also click on the “Public Charities” section of the Web page, scroll down and view on the left hand side, a listing of “Helpful Web sites for Charities.” It is best to give to the ready, known entities who care for others, such as the local Red Cross chapter, Salvation Army or United Way or United Fund.

Also, the Secretary of State said in a press release to media, Charity Navigator, at charitynavigator.org, offers these tips to consider before giving to a charitable cause during a time of crisis:
Give to an established charity; Find a charity with a proven track record of success in dealing with the type of disaster at hand or in the region in which the disaster occurred. If you feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status.

Designate your gift: By designating the gift, donors ensure their money will be used as intended. Most charities with online giving portals offer a check box feature so that you can tell the organization how to spend your contribution. If you are mailing in a check, then write a note in the memo section of the check specifying that you want your gift spent entirely on the current crisis.

Question telemarketers: Be 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. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own.

Research and follow up: As always, take the time to find a charity that is trustworthy. There are several other free online financial evaluators to search for well-run charities worthy of your support.
Go to the Secretary of State’s Public Charities page at www.scsos.com/Public_Charities for a listing of helpful links.

It's okay to be quick to help others, just don't get duped in the process.