ST. PAUL, Minn., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- As Minnesotans watch, the
Myanmar government has confirmed nearly 23,000 people are dead and more
than 42,000 still missing from Saturday's cyclone. The top U.S. diplomat in
Myanmar announced that the toll from the cyclone and its aftermath could
hit or exceed 100,000 lives as humanitarian conditions worsen.
When disaster strikes, the needs are of a critical, urgent nature --
What are the best and safest ways one can help to make the greatest
difference?
The Charities Review Council offers the following tips on giving smart
in times of disaster and how to exercise caution when responding to
disaster-relief appeals:
-- Types of support: The best and most resourceful assistance is a
financial donation to a relief or development organization already
operating in the affected area. Goods should NOT be sent unless
requested by an organization.
-- Where to send a gift: When researching where to send a gift, consider
the following:
- Is the organization legitimate? If an organization is calling you, be
wary. Established disaster-relief organizations are often too busy to
implement a direct phone campaign during times of disaster. Don't be
afraid to say "no" over the phone and then contact the organization
directly yourself.
- Don't be swayed by emotional or high-pressure solicitations with
little or no substance. Don't make a donation to an unknown charity
over the telephone or via an e-mail request, especially if it
pressures you to give immediately, or refuses to send information
unless you make a pledge. Protect yourself by verifying the
organizations at the Charities Review Council online at
http://www.SmartGivers.org/GivingGuide.
- How would you like your donation to be spent? Would you like your
gift to focus on short term needs such as feeding the hungry or
providing medical assistance, or meeting long term needs like
establishing infrastructure?
- How do you protect yourself from fraud? Always pay by check or credit
card, NEVER with cash. Cash can be lost or stolen. Do not provide
your credit card number unless you know the charity and you initiate
the contact.
- Is the organization accountable to its donors? Don't hesitate to ask
for written information about programming and financial activity.
You can also research that information on the organization's Website
or contact the Charities Review Council at http://www.SmartGivers.org
or (651) 224-7030.
- What is the tax status of the organization? If you want your donation
to be tax-deductible, the organization must be a 501(c)3 charitable
organization. Ask the organization or the Charities Review Council
if you're not sure. Please check with your tax advisor or the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information regarding the tax
deductibility of your donation.
About The Charities Review Council:
The Charities Review Council is a nonprofit organization based in
Minnesota with more than 60 years of experience helping the public make
informed giving decisions. The Council is the nation's only statewide
independent resource of its kind for donors, offering information about
charities, including local organizations. The Council is dedicated to
empowering the public in making informed and thoughtful giving decisions,
so that you can be more effective in helping charities advance their
important community work.
For more information, visit the Charities Review Council at
http://www.SmartGivers.org or (651) 224-7030 (toll-free 1-800-733-GIVE).
SOURCE Charities Review Council
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Related links:
http://www.SmartGivers.org
CONTACT:
Helen Ng of Charities Review Council,
+1-651-224-7030, ext. 11, hng@smartgivers.org; or Sarah Shamla of
Tunheim Partners, +1-952-851-7279, sshamla@tunheim.com, for
Charities Review Council
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