HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1984-12-05, Page 67Give to
those who
need it most
In all likelihood there are nearly as many
phoney charities around just before
Christmas as there are unwary .consumers.
Unethical fund-raisers may knock at your
door or call you on the phone. Most of us are
particularly vulnerable at Christmas time
and these promoters know it.
The truly needy would suffer without the
efforts of the legitimate charities and fund-
raising organizations. The trick .is to ensure
that contributions end up with the people
who need it most and not in some con artist's
pocket.
Erring on the side of caution is probably
the best defence against these unscrupulous
operators.
Follow these basic guidelines to spot the
phoneys:
•Give only to groups you know. Ask ques-
tions. Exactly how much money is the group
attempting to raise? What percentage will
actually go to charity? How much is ear-
marked for administrative costs?
•Don't be shy about asking for details. Get
the canvasser's name, address and
telephone number. If they are on the up -and -
up, they will take the time to explain the ob-
jectives of the organization and will give you
all the information you ask for. Remember
that, as a rule, legitimate fund-raisers are
not in a big hurry.
•The name of the group or organization
may only sound legitimate. Check the
authenticity and reputation of any charity
or fund-raiser which is unknown to you.
Files on most of these groups are maintain-
ed by the Better Business Bureau. The local
Chamber of Commerce is also a good source
of information.
'State that you have already given to the
charity of your choice and leave it, at that.
This response may completely fluster a
huckster who hashis spiel all composed.
At Christmas time, don't be taken in by
the con artist's favorite theme - under-
privileged children.
Christmas cards for crippled children is a
common come-on before Christmas. The
cards may arrive through the mail and
there may be a letter enclosed which says
keep these cards send us $10 for the kids.
Return the cards immediately to the sender.
You are not required to pay for any material
received by mail that you did not order.
Christmas is traditionally a time for giv-
ing, so by all means give to those less for-
tunate. Feel even better about having done
so by making sure your gift is going to those
who need it.
Christmas Gift Guide -19
Christmas...'tis the season to be wary
Christmas... 'tis the season to be wary.
While good cheer and holiday merriment
are the order of the day, fire safety experts
urge revelers to let caution be their guide
when decking the halls and, trimming the
tree.
In addition to the fire hazards from cen-
tral heating, stoves and fireplaces that ac-
company the onset of winter, there are holi-
day "extras" such as tree lights, candles,
decorations and combustibles like wrapping
paper and boxes. To ensure a safe season of
"decking the halls," Pittway Corporation,
makers of First Alert' smoke detectors,
recommends the following tips to decrease
the chances of home fires and accidents.
•Use a fireplace screen at all times. Just
one spark on a rug or dry Christmas tree
can start a blaze.
•Use the "bounce test" to help select a
fresh Christmas tree. Hold the trunk of the
tree and bounce it on the ground. If too
many needles fall off, the tree is not as fresh
as it should be.
'Select an artificial tree that's labeled
"fire retardant."
*Check smoke detectors to make sure
they're in good operating order. Depress the
test button for a few seconds to see if the
alarm sounds. For minimum protection,
fire safety experts recommend one smoke
detector on each level of the home.
•Check tree lights for worn-out wiring- a
serious fire hazard. Never run wiring under
rugs.
•Unplug all lights and electric decorations
before going to bed.
•When shopping for batteries, for toys, buy
a few extra for your Smoke detectors.
•Don't smoke in bed. While this is a year
'round rule, it's especially important when
egg nog and New Year's toasts are flowing.
The less alert you are, the more dangerous
it is.
•Don't overload electrical circuits with
extension cords or adapters. Distribute
lights evenly among electrical outlets.
• •Give thegift of safety to your family or
friends. Even people who already have one
smoke detector will appreciate the added
protection afforded by another. Or, you may
want to give someone a smoke detector/fire
extinguisher combination such as the First
Alert® Fire Safety Kit.
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