Direct help to military families?

by Sue
(Redding, Ca)

Even after reading the articles and ratings for charities, I am still unsure how to help military families.

I am overwhelmed with "guilt" gifts (sewing kits, actual $1 bills, etc.) and someone sold my name from recent donations that I thought were legit organizations.

Now I am afraid to give at all. Surely we can do better!

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Sue, you're absolutely right. Surely we can do better.

Please check back with us after the holidays. We'll publish a list of highly-rated veterans charities for those of you who would like to make donations but want to make sure your money is going to the cause.

Even legit organizations sometimes share or "rent" their mailing lists. This is another way they generate revenue.

If you don't want them to share your name and address, make that clear in your communication with them, and tell them if they can't honor that simple request, you won't donate to them.