Disabled American Veterans The national hq for DAV informed me they don't engage in telephone solicitation. However, I have been donating in response to such for 3 years.Denver, Littleton Colorado

I'm responding to the person denying that the DAV and the DAV pick up people are not the same.  So, if I'm hearing you correctly, you're saying "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain..."  If you own the dog and the dog bites someone, you and the dog are one in the same.  Take your minimizing wordspeak and your patronizing attitude and stuff it.  Karma will always find you out.

Really! Does it matter how the DAV gets the money for the household items? They still get it. Why would "you" let someone use your name?

The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) does not solicit over the phone.  You did not mention how, of what you were donating.  You mention the thrift store truck--so I guess that maybe you were donating household items?

The thrift store is associated with the DAV, but is a separate entity.  Please do not confuse the two.  Do the research before firing off accusations.

Your local DAV chapter will often "sell out" the rights to it's name in order to obtain funding through the procurement of resaleable apparell and household goods. If this is the case, your local DAV chapter is getting a percentage of either the profits made from said operation by this sub-organization or a predetermined amount of money per lb of the total weight of donations collected. It works the same way for other NFP organizations such as big brothers, big sisters, Epilepsy Foundation, National federation for the blind, national childrens cancer society, ozanam, catholic chartities, etc...

Many of these sub-organizations will employ call solicitors that will ask for donations of clothing or household items. Therefore, the donations you put out will still be benefiting your local Disabled Vets.

Unfortunately, there are individuals that do take advantage of people and organizations by using the name without consent or giving any proceeds to them. These people want something for nothing. It is generally relatively easy to spot a fraudulent operation. the best way to do this is by asking questions. You may start by asking the call specialist which DAV chapter/organization branch they benefit. How are the donations used? If they are resold in thrift stores (which is almost always the case) Where is/are the location(s)? What is the name of these stores? What is the telephone number for their central office?

If the person that has contacted you is not legit, they will not be able/willing to answer these questions and will probaby just hang up on you. Having said that, the organization that they work for (if they are legit) IS not-for-profit, and they probably don't get paid very much, So don't be too hard on them. :)

If you are not convinced after asking a few simple questions, it is a good idea to call your local DAV chapter and confirm that they do have a branch that does pick up donations to benefit them. The chapter will have a phone number for the office you would need to arrange a pick up with. If you have the name of the solicitor that called you you could confirm with them.

It is my honest opinon that the best way to help the Vets (or anyone else for that matter) is to give money directly to the national DAV operation. If you have items you'd like to get rid of, by all means, use a pick up service. Unfortunately you can't expect all proceeds (or in many cases the majority of proceeds) to go to the cause you are trying to support.

If you question this, call your local sub organization and ask them what percentage of the profits the DAV chapter actually gets. Usually you will get one of  answers: 1. 100% of profits after payroll and supplies (so how much are their CEO's and CFO's making?) 2. I'm not sure, we send a check every month 3. They will give you a percentage (that you can verify with your local DAV chapter)

Now that all sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it?

I have found that many of the sub-organizations management drive very nice vehicles, live in very expensive homes, vacation often, and might even have a private jet or two stashed somewhere. They don't always operate admirably, and often cook books, but this shouldn't deter one from trying to help a veteran that needs your support by giving directly to the National DAV.

I hope this is helpful!

Happy donating!