About charity/sponsoring - how trusty is it all??

Question

I, and i believe many other people have thought about donating to charity or sponsoring a child...helping those in need someway. The only thing thats stopping me is theres no trust (from me). I have heard about some charity organisations theyre a scam or they take a percentage of the money for themselves. What do you think?

Answer 1

The best thing to do is research, research and research, talk to people that have had experiences with the charity you are thinking about donating too.  There is a website that supposedly tells you what percentage of the money goes to the people they are helping vs administration costs...but I felt that it was very bias towards certain organizations that I heard good things from so I wouldn't recommend it.

Best thing to do is look at the local charities in your town or county, the local food locker is always short of food this time of year but people need to eat all year round.  

Set up a clothes closet at the local school for children who need coats for the winter, or decent clothes for school, (don't do shoes or adult clothing or it will get out of hand),its not hard to set up. The school will sometimes even give you a place for storing the donations and people are always willing to help others in need.  Charity that doesn't involve money is easier to take care of .. food, clothing and shelter is what people want most.  (if you want to help with shelter look into Habitat for Humanity who are always looking for volunteers to build homes and  you don't have to be a carpenter to help).

Answer 2

i think red cross is one of the only trustable donates. donate those that actually well known or broadcasted on tv an such.

Answer 3

guidestar.org is a pretty good place to research charities.