Our View: Don't leave your donation at the door

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February 21, 2012

The Salem News Tue Feb 21, 2012, 05:00 AM EST

This cautionary tale comes by way of Cape Ann:

So an organization called the Veterans Outreach Center, based in Marlborough, is apparently running a legitimate fundraising drive. But the center's own handling of concerns raised by Rockport residents who'd been contacted the group last week — with one person fielding phone calls saying there was no drive under way, a second one telling Rockport police there was, and no one even fielding or returning calls placed there by our sister newspaper, the Gloucester Daily Times, didn't exactly inspire confidence.

And assuming the drive is legitimate, Rockport police are right in advising residents against donating in the manner the organization's callers reportedly requested.

According to residents and police, solicitors for the organization urged those wishing to donate to simply leave their checks, or even cash, in envelopes on their doors or doorsteps, and the group's collectors would come around to pick them up. That's not just reckless, but essentially an open invitation for theft. Indeed, it was that advice that made some residents suspect the entire effort was a scam in the first place.

The Veterans Outreach Center needs to get its fundraising act in order by changing its collection policies and coordinating its messages. Meanwhile, anyone who is called by this or other fundraising groups should heed the advice of Rockport police: Instead of leaving donations at your door, send any gifts directly to the organization to which you want to contribute. And find out all you can about any group asking you for support.

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