Make Sure Your Donations Really Get to Hurricane Irene Victims

Area sheriff’s offices have some advice for avoiding post-storm scams.

With a death toll that keeps rising and millions still without power, reaching out to help the victims of Hurricane Irene is a natural inclination for many. But, how can donors make sure their money is really going to go where it’s meant to? The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office say it’s not at all uncommon for scammers to come out in force after natural disasters like Irene. “Nonprofits” that are less than legitimate are likely to start popping up with the sole intent of parting donors and their money, officials said. To safeguard against fraud, Debbie Carter of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office suggests area residents deal only with organizations they know, such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army, and steer clear of those they …

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Second thoughts

Gold Nugget Reminds Us of Meaning of the Season

Throughout the community, residents are doing their part to help those in need.

I've spent the past few weeks dropping my loose change into red kettles in front of the Bloomingdale Walmart and Publix, thinking I'm doing my part to help the needy this holiday season. Then, I read about a surprise donation at a Coral Gables supermarket's red kettle. On Dec. 22, someone handed the bell ringer a plastic bag containing a 2.2-ounce gold nugget, valued at $2,800. Lorraine Momberger, a bell ringer for three years, received a plastic bag from a woman she'd never seen before. It contained the gold nugget and a note that read: "This gold nugget is a family keepsake. Please use its value to help those in need with The Salvation Army -- A friend." Wow. That makes my dimes and nickels seem like a pittance in comparison. It was a …

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