2007 PRESS RELEASES

March 28, 2007
STATE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT SOLICITATIONS BY CHILDREN OF REFUGEES ORGANIZATION
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) cautions consumers that Children of Refugees, an organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes.  However, as of March 27, 2007, 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.

In letters soliciting contributions from potential donors, Children of Refugees describes itself as “a non profit organization committed to helping underprivileged children with life-threatening illnesses all over the world.”  The group solicits goods and services as well as “funding in order to continue this worthwhile albeit costly program.”

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 1.800.552.9963 or in the Richmond area call 804.786.2042.