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The BBB Wants YOU To Make Smart Giving Choices This Holiday Season

10/30/09

Kansas City, MO - Many individuals and families make holiday giving a part of their celebrations as a way to remember those less fortunate, to teach their children about caring for others, or even as a way to receive last-minute tax deductions before year’s end. Charities often depend on end-of-year giving to keep their financials in the black. We want you to know how to make sure your holiday giving makes a difference.

Smart Giving Basics
• Do not give cash; always make contributions by check and make your check payable to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Keep records of your donations (receipts, canceled checks, and bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at tax time. Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) directly related to your volunteer service to a charity are deductible.
• Don't be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
• Check out the organization with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney general's office) and with your Better Business Bureau.

Below is a list of local charities that have been reviewed by the BBB according to the Standards for Charity Accountability.

Accredited Charities
The following local charities meet all 20 BBB Standards of Charity Accountability and have been awarded the Kansas City BBB Charity Seal.
Harvesters – The Community Food Network
Hope House, Inc.

Additionally, the following national charities based here the Kansas City metro area, are nationally accredited by the BBB:
Children International
Christian Foundation for Children and Aging
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Other Charity Reviews
The following local charities have been reviewed by the BBB. For a variety of reasons, they do not meet all 20 Standards.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City
Midwestern Innocence Project
Police Benefit Association of Kansas City
Sherwood Center for the Exceptional Child
US Troop Support Foundation

Nondisclosures
The following charities have chosen not to respond to BBB requests for information.
City Union Mission
Kansas State Troopers Association
Saint Luke’s Hospital Foundation

For more information on making wise giving choices, check out the BBB’s Tips on Giving

The BBB reports on charities that the public has us asked about. If your favorite charity is not listed with us, click here to inquire about that organization. Organizations can also register themselves by visiting our registration page.