My father thought all charities were ripoffs, but he did have high praise for the Salvation Army. During WW II when he was in Europe, both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would provide basic necessities for the troops. The difference was that Salvation Army gave those things out for free. Red Cross charged.
The execs where my Mom worked went to help in the Buffalo Creek flood years ago in WV. They came back with the same story. Salvation Army was giving out free food. Red Cross was charging.
Also, years ago, I read a column where Ann Landers researched and came up with the Salvation Army as the best charity in terms of getting the most done with your donation.
I've heard similar stories about the Korean War.