SAN ANTONIO -- People from across the country want to help support the victims and families affected by the tragedy at Fort Hood.
Thousands have volunteered to donate blood to help the soldiers and civilians injured in the shooting. Now, many want to donate money to help. However, the Better Business Bureau is cautioning people to find out exactly where and how the donated funds will be used.
BBB officials say there may be misleading or malicious solicitors seeking to take advantage of national headlines and generous individuals.
The BBB offers the following tips for give wise giving:
- Be cautious of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
- If you contribute, do not give cash. Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
- Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations or requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
- Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs. Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.
For additional information and tips on how to give wisely,
CLICK HERE to go to the BBB’s Charity Resources Web site.
Officials at Fort Hood have announced the following opportunities for the public to donate to various agencies on the installation honoring the Soldiers and family members affected by the mass shooting on post last week:
Fort Hood Chaplain’s FundChecks can be mailed to:Chaplain's Fund Office
Bldg 44, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue
Fort Hood, TX 76544-5000
Checks should be made payable to "CTOF" (Chapel's Tithes and Offerings Fund) with a note on the memo line stating "Nov. 5 Tragedy." Fort Hood Fisher House Fisher House
Bldg 36015
Fisher Lane
Ft. Hood, TX 76544
Call (254) 286-7927 or (254)286-7929 for more information.
Local Chapter - American Red CrossKilleen Red Cross
208 W. Ave. A,
Killeen, Texas 76541
Phone (254) 200-4400 or
CLICK HERE to visit their Web site.
USO Fort HoodUSO Fort Hood
Building # 1871, 50th St.
Fort Hood, Texas, 76544
Phone: (254) 768-2771 or
CLICK HERE to visit their Web site.
Local Efforts
H-E-B donates $50,000, launches tear pad campaign in stores SAN ANTONIO - H-E-B has donated $50,000 to the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and has launch an in-store tear pad campaign benefiting the organization in response to the tragedy at Fort Hood.
H-E-B said all contributions will benefit the AUSA Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter fund. The fund was established to memorialize the recent tragedy, and care for the affected soldiers and their families.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Providing aid in times of disaster is the corner stone of our Helping Here philosophy, which promises to stand by communities during times of crisis. We have received numerous requests from customers about how they can help support the affected victims and families," said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs and diversity for H-E-B. "H-E-B's tear pad campaign offers a convenient and efficient way for our customers to support the soldiers and families in need."
H-E-B customers can join H-E-B's aid by adding a donation in increments of $1, $3, or $5 to their total grocery bill.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the AUSA.
