Sign up for e-mail updates about news in the 182nd District!
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – 'Tis the season for giving, but how can you make sure your charitable donation will be used properly?
According to state Rep. Babette Josephs, there's a simple way to find out if a charity is legitimate.
"All you have to do is check out the Department of State's Web site at www.dos.state.pa.us, click on the 'charities' button, and visit the searchable database," said Josephs, D-Phila. "The site will help you determine whether a charity is legitimate and how an organization spends its money."
The site also provides helpful tips for giving, such as hanging up on aggressive and harassing solicitors, and asking who will benefit from your contribution, Josephs noted.
Not all charities are listed on the department's site, but people can e-mail or call the bureau about charities not on the list. The e-mail address is ; the toll-free information number is 1-800-732-0999.
"There are more than 9,000 entities soliciting contributions in Pennsylvania. We can't give to everyone. This Web site can make it easier for us to decide and at the same time make sure our donation is used properly," Josephs said.
© 2006 - 2007 State Representative Babette Josephs. All Rights Reserved. 215-893-1515 | 717-787-8529