Oregonians are opening their hearts and wallets this week as many organizations are starting their traditional year-end fundraising appeals.
In addition to the usual needs, this year’s giving requests also include organizations raising money for wildfire relief and to help Oregonians affected by the pandemic.
The Oregon Department of Justice has some reminders about ways to give wisely. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum says it pays to do your research.
The Oregon DOJ has a searchable database of registered charities on its website. Rosenblum urges people to be cautious of high-pressure donation tactics, as well as fundraising appeals that arrive by text message, emails or at your front door. She says it’s better to be the one who initiates the contact with a charity, not the other way around.
And finally, most organizations prefer monetary donations over gifts of food, clothing or other goods. That gives them more flexibility to help the people they serve.
