Secretary Kemp Gives Advice on Donating to Charities

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today offered advice to individuals planning to donate to charities during the holiday season. Secretary Kemp serves as Georgia’s chief charities regulator.

Secretary Kemp said, “Many Georgians want to help those who are less fortunate this time of year. Donors should thoroughly research charities before giving to ensure their gifts go to legitimate charities, and that they will be used properly.”

Secretary Kemp issued the following tips for charitable giving:

• It is important to research charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization.
• A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization’s own website.
• Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.
• NEVER give your credit card, debit card or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution.
• If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax deductible status with the Internal Revenue Service. “Tax exempt,” “non-profit” and “tax deductible” mean different things. Just because a solicitor says their organization is non-profit or tax-exempt, that doesn’t mean you can legally deduct your contribution. Only “tax deductible” means your contribution is deductible on your income tax return. Make sure you get a receipt which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
• Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors).
• Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.
• Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.
• Most police and fire departments are funded by tax dollars. However, their unions and social organizations may solicit you for contributions. These groups typically use paid fund-raisers to solicit donations. If you are solicited by an organization using the words “police” or “firefighter,” call your local police or fire department to verify that the group is actually supporting the department, and to find out how much of their contributions actually are used for their programs.
• Be skeptical of organizations which list only post office boxes, “PMB” addresses or mail drop suite numbers.

Citizens can file a complaint against a charitable organization on the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/plb. If you have additional questions, please call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division, which oversees charities, at 478-207-2440.

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January, 2010.” Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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'Phones for Haiti' Cell Phone Recycling Program Launched

/PRNewswire/ -- ReCellular today announced a new way for Americans to provide support to the millions of victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. Used cell phones can be sent in by downloading a prepaid mailing label at www.phonesforhaiti.com, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross' charitable efforts.

"The devastation in Haiti is slowly becoming all too clear," said Steve Manning, ReCellular CEO. "Sending in your used phone is a simple and effective way to help with the rescue and rebuilding efforts already underway."

There are an estimated 130 million phones retired in the United States every year. If even a small percentage of them are sent to Phones for Haiti, it would contribute millions of dollars towards relief from the devastating earthquake. ReCellular will give 100% of the phone value as a contribution to the American Red Cross; charities have already earned more than $20 million dollars in contributions through their partnerships with ReCellular.

With rescue and repair missions already underway, it is critical that funds get to the region quickly. By using the postage paid label, supporters can have their used phones to ReCellular within just a few days, allowing for the rapid distribution of funds. All phones are accepted, though newer phones will provide the most value to the charity - in some cases $100 or more.

"The overwhelming response from all Americans to the crisis in Haiti reflects the depth of generosity of the American people," said Manning. "We are proud to be able to coordinate this opportunity when the need is so great."

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HHS Celebrates Contributions to People With Disabilities

HHS today has recognized the significant achievements of five leaders in
science, education, business and entertainment during a ceremony
celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. During the
ceremony, other honorees were also acknowledged for their role in
support of the Administration's commitment for full inclusion in the
workforce for people with disabilities. The honorees have contributed
greatly to advance the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and President Bush's New Freedom Initiative (NFI).

"Our 2008 award honorees represent models of what all of us, with or
without disabilities, can contribute toward removing barriers that limit
persons with disabilities' ability to participate fully in their
communities," HHS Deputy Secretary Tevi Troy said. "Their contributions
allow us all to build on all efforts that ensure our nation remains a
place of opportunity for all Americans."

Honorees awarded today include the following:

* Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, world renowned pioneering scientist and
mentor in the area of deep brain stimulation that changes the lives of
persons with Parkinson's disease, dystonia and other movement disorders,
received the International Award.
* Dr. Phyllis Magrab, educator, scholar, skilled clinician and
champion for children with disabilities, nationally and internationally,
received the Pioneer for Persons with Disabilities Award. Dr. Magrab is
with the Georgetown University Medical Center.
* Dr. Joseph Rosen, researcher, professor and noted plastic
surgeon who performs facial and body reconstructions at Walter Reed
Medical Center, received the Health/Service Provider for Persons with
Disabilities Award.
* Mr. Kyle Maynard, born with congenital amputation of all four
limbs, a champion wrestler, author, motivational speaker, advocate, and
role model, received the Persons with Disabilities Across the Lifespan
Award.
* Ms. Emily P. Kingsley, Emmy(r) award-winning writer for "Sesame
Street" and long-time advocate of kids with special needs, on the
popular children's program and beyond, received the Entertainment
Industry Award.
* Ms. Dora Ricks, HHS employee who instructs, mentors and
motivates young persons with disabilities within HHS to become employed
as productive citizens with disabilities, received the 2008 Certificate
of Appreciation.


Most Americans, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race, or
ethnicity will experience a disability at some time during the course of
their lives. Some individuals are born with a disability; others
acquire them through an illness, an injury, genetics, or any number of
other causes. The ADA provides greater equal opportunity protections for
all Americans. The Act allows more Americans with disabilities than ever
before greater assurances of equality of opportunity, full
participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for
Americans with disabilities of all ages.

"The Bush Administration works to provide opportunities for all
Americans, including persons with disabilities," said Margaret Giannini,
M.D., F.A.A.P., director, HHS Office on Disability. "America can be
proud of the progress made toward fulfilling the principles and meeting
the goals of the American Disabilities Act and the New Freedom
Initiative."

"The goals of the New Freedom Initiative are the goals of occupational
therapy -- to enable Americans to live life to its fullest," commented
Penny Moyers Cleveland, president of the American Occupational Therapy
Association. "The NFI charts a vision and provides the means to achieve
the vision of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

The NFI is a public-private effort that eliminates barriers that keep
persons with disabilities from participating fully in community life.
NFI responds to the needs of Americans by promoting the access to
resources, skill development and dignity of full and inclusive
citizenship.

"It is an honor for us to co-sponsor this awards program," said American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R. Scott Ward, P.T., Ph.D.
"People with disabilities face significant challenges that often limit
their ability to have a reasonable level of physical activity. As
experts in the way the human body moves, physical therapists are
dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities improve their
quality of life through achieving their highest possible level of
function."

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, HHS recognizes
the talents, skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who are a
vital part of our workforce. With more than 51 million people with
disabilities living in the United States, according to the U.S. Census
Bureau, HHS' 2008 honorees are among those leading our best efforts to
help those with disabilities and their families improve their own
circumstances and take more control over their lives.

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