Fundraising Advisory:  Are the funds you donate going to who you think they are? 

A Special Message from The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association

Posted: 6/17/2010

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association wants residents to be aware
that professional solicitors have been asking for donations while claiming
they are raising funds to help local firefighters.

These organizations act as though they are affiliated with local fire
departments, according to Glenn Allison, president of the fire chiefs
association. Allison said these solicitations have been conducted by phone
and by mail in recent years.

"We want residents to understand that if they want to support local
companies, solicitations will come by mail, not by phone," said Allison.

Allison said the fire chiefs association has sought help from Chester
County Detectives regarding these incidents in the past.

Chester County Detectives Lt. Joseph Brooks said although these
solicitations may come from legitimate charitable organizations, most of
the donations made go to the fundraisers while only a small portion help
the firefighters.

Brooks recalled how county detectives looked into a case in 2006 after
being contacted by Allison regarding the Association for Disabled
Firefighters Inc.

Chester County District Attorney Joseph Carroll addressed the public about
the Association for Disabled Firefighters in an Oct. 20, 2006, news
release. The association was traced back to Santa Ana, Calif.

The association had no connection to any Chester County emergency services
organization or fire company, Carroll said. He also noted that, according
to the charity's 2004 tax filing, the company raised more than $2 million
and used less than $8,000 for "charitable purposes."

"In other words, only 40 cents out of every hundred dollars raised
actually goes for the charitable purpose, while the other $99.60 goes to
the fundraisers," Carroll said.

The district attorney's office recommended potential donors to any charity
to ask the fundraiser specific questions, such as inquiring about the
fundraiser's address, phone number and contact name. Also, Carroll urged
potential donors to find out in advance how much of their donation will be
used by the charity and how much will be spent on operating costs.

"Be skeptical of high-pressure tactics for immediate donations, especially
if the solicitor wants to make arrangements to have someone pick up the
donation immediately," Carroll said. "Do not give credit card numbers or
personal information over the phone when dealing with an unfamiliar
organization.

"Legitimate charitable organizations and legitimate fundraisers will not
be offended if you ask for an opportunity to confirm information."

Allison said residents interested in donating to their local fire
departments or emergency services personnel should visit
www.helpfightfire.com.

"We understand times are tough, but we need funding to keep our doors
open," Allison said.