News
December 9, 2015Charitable Scam Alert Issued by St. Catherine’s Center
Americans are incredibly generous – never more than during the holidays – but as the season for giving gears up, the executive director of an Albany not-for-profit human services agency offers a warning: always know to whom you are giving.
“With the holiday season upon us, it is critical to know who you are giving your charitable donations to,” says William T. Gettman, Jr., executive director of St. Catherine’s Center for Children. “This time of year, unscrupulous people are out there looking for ways to take advantage of the generosity and kind-heartedness of people. Be sure the group or organization that you give to is legitimate.”
Gettman’s warning comes because he believes St. Catherine’s name has been used by a scammer to collect food this holiday season.
“One of our regular donors found a notice in her mailbox asking for donations of baby food,” he said. “There was no name or contact information on the notice…simply a pick-up date. That’s not something we do.”
Most people have their favorite groups or charities they like to donate to each year, noted Gettman. Organizations such as St. Catherine’s Center for Children, Toys for Tots, and the Salvation Army all collect cash or toys for Christmas, and people generally know they are giving to legitimate organizations. With that said, people should always take precautions.
“It is important to us that anybody who wishes to donate to St. Catherine’s can do so with 100% certainty that the gifts they give will be going directly to our children and families,” said Gettman. “We are very grateful for all of our friends who give generously during the holiday season, and we want them to know that anything they donate to us will benefit families in need.”
For people who donate for the holidays, Gettman offers some advice.
“Legitimate organizations will always include contact information in their requests,” he said “including phone numbers or names of individuals. If you see any flyers, letters, or other materials asking for donations to St. Catherine’s without our official company logo or a St. Catherine’s point of contact, don’t donate. If you have any questions about a collection for cash, clothing, food or toys, contact us – or the organization in question – to be sure the request is legitimate. Donations through an organization’s official website are also a safe way to go.”
To the many people who do give generously, to St. Catherine’s or other organizations, Gettman offers his thanks.
“We truly appreciate all that everyone does for our children and families,” he said. “The holidays are a special time of year, and the generosity of people in the Capital Region is simply amazing, year in and year out. Thanks to everyone!”
If you would like to donate to St. Catherine’s for the holidays, please visit our website at www.st-cath.org to learn more, or contact Adam Rossi at (518) 453-6756 or arossi@st-cath.org.
