November 10, 2010; Source: Connecticut Watchdog | The Connecticut Watchdog website offers a treasure trove of information for the savvy consumer. A recent posting refers to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) recent advice on contributing to veterans’ organizations that collect donations outside big stores. First, if you can, avoid cash donations.

“When you’re solicited to give a cash donation to a veteran’s group, ask the person if he or she is a veteran and whether they are being paid to collect donations,” DCP commissioner Jerry Farrell said. “Ask if your donation will help veterans in your town or local area, and ask for specific information on how donations will help veterans.”

“When these organizations talk about providing jobs to veterans, they are primarily talking about hiring and paying veterans to solicit your donation,” Farrell said.
This is sound advice for any charitable contribution.—Timothy Lyster