West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is encouraging those who are able to donate essential items to those affected by the major flooding in the Wheeling area.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are gravely affected by this massive flooding,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “I believe in the resiliency of West Virginians, and many are caring and generous people. I encourage those who wish to give immediate essential supplies and to the relief to do so, but give wisely so that your generosity helps those in need.”
Much-needed are cleaning supplies—disinfectant gloves (work and latex), mops, buckets—food bags, water and hygiene kits.
Items can be dropped off at Madison Elementary School, 91 Zane St., Wheeling. Check out the school’s Facebook page for more instructions.
The drop-off location for Ohio County is the House of the Carpenter, 200 S. Front St., Wheeling (304-233-4640).
In Marshall County, contact Tom Hart, emergency Management director (304-650-3922) or Tony Novel, assistant director (304-551-5438), to coordinate dropping off supplies.
In Wetzel County: 911 Emergency Management, 911 Emergency Service Lane, New Martinsville (304-455-6960).
More information on drop off locations and other needed supplies will be forthcoming.
There are those who may also be willing to donate money, but that comes with a warning from the Attorney General.
“Times like this bring the best in people and many have responded with generosity and kindness. Unfortunately, there are still those who would take advantage of people’s willingness to give,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Charities may also seek donations more actively during this time, but beware of those who may prey upon the goodwill of others.”
Those who want to give to a charity or organization should confirm it is registered with the proper state government agency. People can access that information through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
Consumers may also research the charity on websites such as CharityNavigator.org or GuideStar.org.
Anyone interested in knowing if a donation is tax-deductible can access the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Exempt Organization Search at https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/.
Donors making an online contribution should make sure the website starts with https:// when visiting the donation portal. This verifies a secure connection, making it less likely for personal information to be stolen.
Additional tips to keep in mind during the season of giving are:
- Never feel pressured to donate immediately.
- Be wary of charities that ask for donations in cash or via wire transfer.
- If the organization is unfamiliar, do research.
- Scams may use sympathetic-sounding names that are similar to the names of legitimate charities.
- Be suspicious if an organization will not give additional information about its mission, how donations are used or proof that a contribution is tax deductible.
- If a donation request is for a local chapter of an organization, verify it is authorized to solicit funds on behalf of the parent organization.
- Go directly to the charity or organization’s website instead of clicking on a link to the desired group.
- Keep records. Contributions exceeding $250 should result in a returned letter confirming the charitable status of the organization as well as the amount of the donation.
Original source can be found here.