The holiday season is one time of the year when many people who routinely keep a careful watch on their charitable contributions may become careless and give money or other items to anyone who asks. Unfortunately, this is a time when you should choose to whom you give and when. Below are some guidelines to consider as the holiday season approaches. They can help assure that your goodwill is not abused.

• Decide how much you can give to charitable groups in advance. Once you have given the preset dollar limit, kindly refuse to make further contributions.
• Know the charity that you are giving to. You can reduce the chance of being taken advantage of by selecting the charity in advance and making an unsolicited contribution.
• Ask for a written documentation on how money is used.
• Do not be pressured into giving because neighbors or others have given or because of high pressure tactics used by solicitors.
• Make checks out to the charity, NOT individuals.
• Do not charge contributions to your credit card when called by telephone solicitors.
• Before you give to an unfamiliar charity;
  • Call the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline (1-800-441-2555) to determine if any complaints have been made against the group.
  • To find out if an organization has registered to collect money in Pennsylvania, call the Bureau of Charitable Organizations (1-800-732-0999).

Be aware that some fundraising activities by groups such as veterans, firefighters, churches, schools, and hospitals are not covered under Pennsylvania's Charitable Purposes Act. This law requires solicitors to register with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

Need more information?  Check out the following websites.

• National Charities Information Bureau
• Better Business Bureau Philanthropic Advisory Service
• Internal Revenue Service
• Search for tax-exempt organizations