SPRINGFIELD — Time is running out if you want to donate to a charity before the end of the year.
Be aware criminals are looking to take advantage of your giving spirit.
“Makes us feel good. Knowing we’re helping somebody else that we don’t know and that we can help,” John Hogberg said.
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John and his wife Ann donated clothes at the Goodwill store in Kettering.
“Goodwill is a good institution or company that we like to donate to because we know it helps people,” Ann said.
“Everything gets sold here in the store and you know, the proceeds support those 40 programs that we have,” Matt Arntz with Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley said.
Arntz said they’re getting plenty of donations lately.
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“Really good time of year for us. Real fortunate to have folks think of us,” he said.
Several local charities said this is their busy season.
“It’s the busiest we ever are,” Michelle Lovely, senior vice president of development and donor services at The Dayton Foundation said
They help people in the Miami Valley help others through philanthropy and community leadership.
“We probably process over I don’t even know — a half or so of our gifts this time of year,” Lovely said.
But sadly, criminals are trying to get your donation dollars.
To protect your money experts said don’t respond to phone calls, instead research charities and ask them to send you information.
“Sometimes those copycat organizations are trying to get you to make an immediate decision, maybe buying gift cards or sending a wire or doing something on the spot,” Lovely said.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office said no legitimate charity will ever ask you for cash, gift cards, or money orders.
Other red flags include:
- If an organization can’t tell you how your donation will be used
- If they won’t give you a call-back number
- If they ask for personal information like your social security number or date of birth
You can research charities that are registered and in good standing on the Ohio Attorney General’s Office website.
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