November has arrived, Christmas decorations are out in full force in places like Walmart and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
If you had to label a holiday season, it is now. The problem with the holiday season is there are people who try to take advantage of your generosity that comes this time of year. Whether its to help feed families at Thanksgiving or provide presents to underprivileged children there are a lot of great organizations out there who are doing the right thing. There are just as many out there with one goal- separating you from your money.
Scams seem to pick up this time of year because people do get into the holiday spirit and become a little more vulnerable.
We have some people who are in need and others who are simply out there trying to work the system.
It makes us feel good to help a family in need, but some are not as needy as you think.
Churches are a good starting point if you want to help someone during the holiday season. But to us the best resource to determine which family or which children are really in need is by talking to teachers.
Teachers see these children day in and day out. They know the ones who really need help and they know the ones whose families are simply trying to get something for nothing.
Our advice is to stay local. If you get a call from someone wanting to help the families of police officers or other law enforcement agencies, go to your local agency and ask, 'What can I do to help'.
If you really want to help someone, make sure the help you are giving is really going to someone who needs help.
As we said earlier, if in doubt, call a teacher. He or she can point you in the right direction.
