2008 PRESS RELEASES

January 11, 2008
STATE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT CHARITABLE SOLICITATION BY THE MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF THE U.S. AND CANADA
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs cautions consumers that the Muslim Student Association (MSA) of the U. S. and Canada, based in Falls Church, Virginia, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes.  However, as of January 10, 2008, this organization has not registered with or been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner as required by law.  Therefore, contributors are cautioned that their contributions to such organization may be used for non-charitable purposes.

The Department recommends that before responding to any charitable appeal by making a donation or by making a purchase in the name of a charity, consumers verify 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/index.shtml.

Consumers should also determine how much of their donation will be actually used to support the organization’s charitable purpose, and how much will be used for other expenses such as administrative overhead and fundraising.
 
For additional information, call the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs, toll-free in Virginia at 800/552-9963 or in the Richmond area call 804.786.2042.