SPOKANE, Wash. – As Giving Tuesday approaches, the Washington Secretary of State and Attorney General’s Office are urging residents to be cautious with their donations.
Officials recommend pausing if pressured into making an immediate commitment to donate. They advise that there should always be an option to donate later.
Another recommended step is to check the organization’s registration on the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System before making a donation. This resource allows you to view the Fundraiser Activity Report, which is frequently updated.
To avoid feeling pressured by a third party or having to check an organization’s history, officials suggest donating directly to the charity of your choice.
Owen Esperas from Meals on Wheels Spokane shared insights into the impact of giving directly. He recounted a story about a client who, upon realizing another’s dire conditions, offered to share their meal.
“The conversation basically went, when I have nothing to eat, I drink this ketchup as a nutrition source,” said Esperas.
Esperas also shared a touching moment when a volunteer passed on the story to another client.
“The beautiful part is when he got done there he went to the next home and it was a lady who was going through Parkinson’s and going through cancer treatment at the same time…and the volunteer told the next person about the story he just heard and this individual looked him dead square in the face and said next time you can give them my meal,” Esperas said.
Meals on Wheels Spokane is unique in the state for having a senior center attached to their facility. They have been delivering hot meals to elderly, homebound seniors for nearly 60 years.
To prevent becoming a victim of a scam this holiday season, do not give your personal or financial information to anyone you are not expecting to give it to.
There are many incredible non-profits in the area that need support, so residents are encouraged to donate wisely.
