Before you give, what do you know about your charity?

 

Back in the 1600s, Sir Thomas Browne said “Charity begins at home.”

Have you noticed all the commercials for the American Red Cross? They crawl out of the woodwork every time there’s a flood, earthquake, tornado, or other disaster. The way disasters are increasing we’ll no doubt be seeing more of them. They raised hundreds of millions after the earthquake in Haiti, but they built a total of six houses there. Six...

 

When Trace Adkins endorsed them a few weeks ago, he explained it was because his house burned down while he was on a concert tour in Alaska, and the Red Cross took care of his family while he was away.

Giving wisely

pancaked 4-story building in Haiti

Jonh and Marie Goode

 

Unless you’re a robot, tragedies like the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010 pull at your heartstrings. 

 

Since similar tragedies are happening with more and more frequency there are more and more people out there, as soulless as robots, who keep finding new ways to rip you off, and will play on your emotions to do so. Here are some recommendations from various watchdog organizations on giving.