charities

THESE CHARITIES ARE HELPING IN THE UKRAINE CRISIS, BUT AVOID SCAMMERS

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2022 (San Diego) – A humanitarian crisis is growing after Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Over 100,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes, the United Nations estimates. The UN predicts the number of refugees could reach several million, Voice of America reports. Those remaining in the Ukraine face potential food shortages, medical needs for those injured, and damage to key  buildings and infrastructure. 

Some legitimate aid organizations are stepping up to help Ukrainians in their homeland as well as refugees. But California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning of fraudulent charities, and provided tips for how to choose reputable organizations if you wish to donate.

Here are several reputable, long-standing charities now providing aid for Ukrainians, where you can make a one-time or recurring donation:


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TIPS FOR SMART YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING: DO YOUR HOMEWORK

By Paul Downey, CEO, Serving Seniors

Photo: CC by NC-ND via Bing

December 16, 2021 (San Diego) -- For nonprofit organizations like Serving Seniors, the holiday season can determine our ability to provide services and support to San Diegans counting on our help.

Nearly one third of all charitable giving takes place in December and 12% takes place the last three days of the year. One in four nonprofit organizations raise half of all donations for the year during the holidays.

The impulse to help others is among humanity’s greatest purposes, but don’t let your generosity override doing your homework. Two-thirds of the people who make donations don’t do any research at all before giving.


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CHARITABLE AND BUSINESS DEDUCTIONS TAKEN AWAY IN TAX BILL

 

Home office deductions and deductions for service businesses, self-employed and independent contractors are also slated for elimination

By Miriam Raftery

December 13, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Nonprofits are voicing concerns over a provision in the Republican tax bill now in Congress that could harm charities by taking away incentives for the vast majority of Americans to donate to nonprofit organizations.


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SPRITES OF EAST COUNTY HOSTS “DRIVE-IN THRU THE ‘50s’ BENEFIT MARCH 9

 

February 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--SPRITES of East County, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization, will host itsr annual benefit on March 9, 2013 at Skyline Church. The theme of this year’s event Is “SPRITES Drive-In Thru The 50s.”

SPRITES has been serving charities in local neighborhoods for 44 years. Founded in 1968, SPRITES is a qualified non-profit organization made up of 240 mothers and their seventh to twelfth grade daughters who reside in the area served by the Grossmont Union High School District. 


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LOCAL TOT’S PARTY HELPS HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

By Staci Torgensen

December 7, 2012 (San Diego)--At the ripe age of two, Journey’s birthday party is making a difference in the lives of victims of Hurricane Sandy. This beautiful young girl is turning her second birthday party into an event to remember.

Journey’s family has chosen to ECHOage her upcoming birthday party.  Instead of receiving many smaller gifts, Journey has used a birthday service that allows guests to contribute online.  Half of the funds will go to Kids in Distressed Situations – helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy - and the other half will go to a pink vintage play kitchen - a fitting gift for a Cookies and Milk birthday party theme.


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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS RAISE AWARENESS OF DISASTER FRAUD HOTLINE

November 8, 2012 -- The Department of Justice, the FBI, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) remind the public there is a potential for disaster fraud in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts should be reported to the toll-free NCDF hotline at 866-720-5721. The hotline is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the purpose of reporting suspected scams being perpetrated by criminals in the aftermath of disasters.


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FRONT AND CENTER: DONORS BEWARE

By Rick Rogers, Host of Front & Center: Military Talk Radio

August 23, 2012 (San Diego)--Charities rattling their cups for veterans and troop programs in Southern California have grown to epic numbers in recent years.

I bet San Diego County charities have grown tenfold since 2008.

At least I think they have.


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SPRITES HOSTS BENEFIT MARCH 24

 
March 6, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Sprites of East County, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization, will host its annual benefit on March 24 at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road in Spring Valley.  The theme of this year's event is "Sprites Revolution." The annual benefit includes a silent auction, fashion show featuring apparel from Fashion Valley stores, dance performances, and a delicious catered lunch.  All proceeds benefit their charities.

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.