Mind the Charity Scammers

I am seeing blue skies, folks!

OK, so the storm is still going to play hell on NC and SC, with rivers, lakes, etc. still cresting. The charities - and the scammers - will be out in full force begging for money. PLEASE do your research before you give money to ANY charity.

Each county has their own animal shelters. You can also give to local food banks. The news is pushing the Red Cross real hard, I know a lot of people don't want to donate to them. Here are a few to try, from food banks to animal rescue to helping people with disabilities to diaper banks and more:

• North Carolina Community Foundation
• Charleston Animal Society
• Harvest Hope Food Bank
• Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies 
• Diaper Bank of North Carolina
• Diaper Bank of the Carolinas
• Loaves and Fishes
• ASPCA
• All Hands and Hearts
• Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina
• Habitat for Humanity
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Mennonite Disaster Service
• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
• AARC
• Second Harvest of Metrolina
• Salvation Army
• World Vision

Please be aware, some of these charities do accept item donations if you would prefer that to giving money. Many of them are also accepting volunteers if you want to donate your time. Also, some of those charities are state or region specific, others are more broad. 

There are many more, but like I said, please research before giving any money to any charity. The scammers are out in full force.