Q: How can Iowans donate to the disaster recovery efforts underway in New York City and Washington, D.C. ?
A: Like millions of other Americans, people in Iowa want to do everything possible to help the survivors and the families of the victims cope with the devastating terrorist attacks and find a way to rebuild their lives. Local fund-raising drives at schools, businesses and places of worship, celebrity-sponsored charity events, corporate matching gifts and well-known non-profit organizations are helping to orchestrate a virtually unprecedented effort to raise money and boost public awareness. These remarkable efforts will help make a difference in the lives of those who have been forced to endure tremendous personal and financial loss. Donating to disaster and victims’ assistance funds also unites the American public and gives those who may have been thousands of miles away from the terrorist attacks an opportunity to show that in America it’s all for one and one for all. The overwhelming display of patriotism, generosity and compassion flowing across the countryside, from sea to shining sea, demonstrates the strength, depth and breadth of the American spirit.
Here’s a listing of places to contact for more specific information about making a donation: http://www.helping.org lists charities to direct funds for all who have been affected by the terrorist attacks; Widows’ and Children’s Fund, c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association, (212) 683-4832; New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York, 12205, (800) 801-8092; New York State Fraternal Order of Police WTC Police Disaster Relief Fund, (516) 433-4455; The American Red Cross.
Q: Should Iowans be wary about unsolicited fund-raising appeals regarding the September 11 attacks?
A: While many legitimate organizations are making sincere appeals urging more Americans to donate, reports have been made by consumer groups and members of the public regarding possibly fraudulent efforts to get people to leave valuable personal and financial information on websites that do not belong to legitimate charitable organizations. Some reports suggest that telemarketers operating fraudulent "sweepstakes" or even magazine-subscription schemes may be falsely promising consumers a portion of their money will go to disaster recovery efforts. Iowans should check out the charity directly before sending money or giving sensitive credit card and personal information over the phone or Internet. Iowans also may consult with the state attorney general’s office located in the Hoover State Office Building, 1305 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, 50319, (515) 281-3053. Such alleged shameful misrepresentations not only are disgraceful, they constitute a federal felony. To report possible fraudulent schemes relating to victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, please immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877)-FTC-HELP or http://www.consumer.gov/sentinel.