Don't Be Fooled by Phone Solicitations for Police Officer Charitable Causes

   

 During this time of year, around the holidays when most people are in the "giving" spirit, your phone may ring from a solicitor calling on behalf of families of police officers killed in the line of duty.  They will represent themselves as a non-profit or non-for-profit organization.
   
DON"T BE FOOLED!

     I received a phone call today and once again, asked the following questions:
1.  What percentage of my donation goes directly to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty?
     Answer: After administrative fees, it all goes to the families.
*The problem here is that these organizations collecting donations can keep a hefty amount, sometimes up to 90% of your donation, for administrative fees.  That leaves 10% of your donation to the families in need.

2.  Where are you calling from to solicit the donation?
     Answer: New York, which was then changed to Michigan by the caller.  He admitted to be calling from his own home.
     The solicitor abruptly ended the phone call when I informed him he was speaking to a retired police officer and former executive board member of my local PBA.  He obviously called the wrong person.

*If you are so inclined to donate to any police organization, fund raiser, or law enforcement charity, please contact your local police department's Policeman's Benevolent Association and make a donation, or at least ask them what reputable law enforcement charities you can donate to that will apply your donation without the substantial "administrative fees" that the over the phone solicitors are pocketing.

*Westfield PBA Local 90 does not solicit donations over the phone.  They solicit them through the mail once a year.