How to make sure your donations go to veterans

Yesterday we learned of veterans' charities who are anything but charitable.
Many earned failing grades for the small percentage of donations that actually "filter down" to the veteran. Story here... http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/nfDEC07/nf121407-3.htm
And...video here... http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/nfDEC07/nf121407-10.htm
So...what do you do if you want to donate to veterans and want to make sure your donation is actually getting to the veteran?
There's a very simple answer.
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Donate to VA Voluntary Services.
Every donation goes directly to a veteran. No "middleman." No "expenses" taken out. No "salaries" paid.
Many of the VA's Voluntary Services departments list their needs on their web site.
The find a VA facility, go here... http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1
Find the facility you want, then go to their web site...like this one for Portland, Oregon... http://www.visn20.med.va.gov/portland/
You will find a Voluntary Service page... http://www.visn20.med.va.gov/portland/Volunteer/index.asp
And there you will find gift ideas and a needs list.
Most VA facilities have this information posted. If not, just give them a call and they will tell you exactly what they need and how to deliver it.
Now, you can make sure everything you donate goes to a veteran...and not elsewhere.
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Below are just a few of the items needed in Portland.
Plus, you can add prepaid phone cards, prepaid cell phones, bus passes, etc. The list is endless............

------------------------- Larry Scott --
Don't forget to read all of today's VA News Flashes (click here)

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