State warns of VB group's fund raising

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services cautioned the public Monday about the fund raising of a Virginia Beach-based veterans group.

According to the VDACS Office of Consumer Affairs, "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads," at 2420 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 120, has solicited contributions from citizens for allegedly charitable purposes.

But according to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, which is the state agency that delivers services to Virginia's veterans, "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" is not affiliated with them.

In addition, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" has not filed with the VDACS as required by law.

The VCACS warns citizens that their contributions to "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" may be used for non-charitable purposes.

In an e-mail to WAVY.COM, the VDACS says it was alerted to "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" when a business in Chesapeake called to see if the group was legitimate. What was reported to the VDACS was that "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" calls, generally before a major holiday, and says they are collecting money to buy gifts, clothing and/or food baskets for veterans for the holidays.

The VDACS believes "Veteran Services of Hampton Roads" called in September for Thanksgiving food baskets and in November for Christmas. For the Christmas solicitation, VDACS says the group claimed the funds would be used for food baskets and for a Christmas party at the VA Hospital. If someone agreed to donate, the group sent someone to collect the money that same day.

The Department recommends that before making a donation or making a purchase in the name of a charity, citizens verify the authenticity of the organization. Citizens should also ensure that the organization is registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Current registration status for charitable organizations can be found on the Department's Web site at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers and then selecting Charitable Search.

Consumers should also determine how much of their donation will actually be used to support the organization's charitable purpose, and how much will be used for other expenses such as administrative overhead and fundraising. Call the Hotline toll-free in Virginia at 800-552-9963.