[TSgt]

Scam might be a little harsh however I believe it is important for FReepers to know that only 25% of donated proceeds are actually going to help veterans. 69% is going to line the pockets of for profit professional fundraisers operating in the name of Vietnam Veterans Pickup Service.

I called the VVA and this is how it works. They contract with for profit fundraisers to pickup donations which is accomplished via relentless telemarketing. The company then pays the VVA an undisclosed sum for the goods which are then sold in the company's thrift store for profit. The VVA never touches the goods and neither the VVA or the local for profit company can or will tell me how much the VVA gets on the goods that are donated.

My investigation resulted from relentless telemarketing by a company called Cherryhill Management in Cincinnati.

I don't understand how they can offer legal tax deductions for the donated items since a for profit is actually receiving the goods not the VVA?

Vietnam Veterans of America vs. Disabled American Veterans vs. Wounded Warrior Project:

VVA 25% goes to help veterans, DAV 77% goes to help veterans, WWP 82% goes to help veterans. I recommend supporting DAV and WWP charities which are both BBB accredited.

BBB Wise Giving Report for Vietnam Veterans of America http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/veterans-and-military/vietnam-veterans-of-america-in-silver-spring-md-115

BBB Wise Giving Report for Disabled American Veterans http://www.bbb.o...rg/charity-reviews/national/veterans-and-military/disabled-american-veterans-in-cold-spring-ky-1692

BBB Wise Giving Report for Wounded Warrior Project http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/veterans-and-military/wounded-warrior-project-in-jacksonville-fl-3806

Vietnam Veterans deserve better...

Your thoughts?

[ConorMacNessa]

I relinquished my membership in VVA years ago - I'll stick with VFW and American Legion.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[BuffaloJack]

All recycling programs are a scam.
Even the scrap metals drives in WW2 were just for public morale boosting. Very little was ever done with the pots and pans collected.
Socialists then and now need to provide people with busy work, so that the people feel good about themselves and that they are contributing.

[pabianice]

VVA was exposed as a communist/anti-American group in “Stolen Valor.” Many of us vets had already come to the same conclusion.

[cash85]

I do not see the problem here:

1. These “scams” (private companies who buy the donations) pay out quite a bit of money to the charities
2. There are annual bids by these companies to ensure the charity gets the most money possible.
3. These “scams” provide THOUSANDS of jobs for Americans. (Those millions you mention as not going to the charity go to Americans who work for these companies; making cold calls, collecting items, thrift store employees, etc)
4. They collect your old household items, providing a time saving service to you!
5. These thrift stores help the poorer communities they reside in.

So where, yes, it is true that the charities do not get 100% of the proceeds from these collections, these companies are paying a lot of the remaining money to employees (in America). I work for one of these dreaded companies. My husband was laid off and I had to get a job to help support my children, American children in an American household. I live in a small town and jobs are scarce here, as many other places right now. This company is one of the only places within 100 miles of me that offers jobs on a regular basis. My family and I would be homeless right now if not for this “scam”.

Are there other places you could donate to? Sure. Will that charity get more of the proceeds? Yes. But do not demonize these companies. They are providing a service and at the moment they are also providing food and clothing for my children. I would think the American public would be pleased to help a company that is not only helping charities but also helping hard working American citizens. These jobs are not outsourced, like those at AOL, AT&T, Nike, and Microsoft to name just a few. We happily spend millions on their products yearly, yet they give jobs to overseas employees because it’s cheaper and the big wigs line THEIR pockets with your hard earned money. Everyone is trying to make a buck. I personally would much rather give money, donations, time, and respect to an American company with American employees. Support the AMERICAN economy AND charities at the same time. Sounds like a win win.

[LCL]

Now that WWP has been proven to be a scam, who is the best to donate to?