Do you give?

[DarrellB]

Do you give to the F. O. P. in your State?



I've been giving to the Indiana F. O. P. for about 4 or 5 years now and was just curious if anyone else did?



It doesn't seem like they get many donations in my State, because every time they call and ask if I'd be willing to give they always seem quite shocked when I tell them ya sure thing. I mean come on, these guys and gals do a job that I wouldn't want to do in a million years what does it hurt to pitch in some $$$$$$ for them every now and then. It's not much, I think the smallest donation is $25 and the lagest is $75. I just hope that it helps to get them more trainning, and better equipment. I know last year the nice officer that called said the previous year they where able to buy new kevlar vests with the money they rasied.



If you don't give you might want to think about it the next time the F. O. P. calls and asks. You might be saving an officer's life the next time he's out with that donation.



DB

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Twice a year for the A. S. P. A and another group just for County and City officers.

 

[TPCDrafting]

It was in the local news here that there were scammers pretending to be the police dept. asking for donations for vests. I seek out who I wish to donate to. If they call here I don't.

 

[Philip]

When someone calls ask if they are with the FOP or a collection agency. If it is a collection agency. Ask the name of the company and how much is giving to the FOP. By IN law they have to give this information out if asked. Most of the time the FOP gets around 10% or less.



Check here to see about all the registered collection agency's in IN.



http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer/charityfundraisers.html



I used to give till I found the company collecting a few years back was giving 5% to the FOP. The rest they kept.

 

[DarrellB]

I only give to the F. O. P. not the collection people. They called once and I told them that I gave to the F. O. P. directly, they never called again.



DB

 

[fkovalski]

I do not give.



Not because I think it is undeserving, but rather I am not of the means to give yet. Plus, (no disrespect intended) it seems as if every one these days has their hand out. Every one from tip jars at counters to phone solicitors wants something. Yes, I realize tips are different from donations.



The business I work for does donate to several organizations because it makes sense tax wise to do so. If I kept more of the wages that are confiscated from me, then I might be more willing to donate. I do give at Christmas time to the "bell ringing red kettle" at the supermarket entrances, but that is because it reminds me of the true concept of donation that was taught to me as a child. It harkens me back to a more innocent time in my life. Nowadays, who knows what organizations do with cash donations? It also seems that there is so much overhead in organizations that very little money gets to where it is intended.



Sorry for the rant and my cynicism.