Reaching the needy

WHERE TO HELP or GET HELP

Information and Referral Center 211

United Way (956) 686 6331

Food Bank RGV (956) 682-8101

Salvation Army (956) 682 1468

Catholic Social Services (956) 702 4088

Mujeres Unidas (956) 630 4878

Children’s Advocacy Center (956) 287 9754

Serving Children and Adolescents in Need (956) 716 1795

McALLEN — The holidays are a time of both giving and need, especially as the Rio Grande Valley and nation dig out of the economic recession.

"People are extremely generous and want to share with the families who are less fortunate," said Thelma Garza, president of the United Way of South Texas.

"People will do what they can afford, regardless of the year they had," Garza said.

The recession is making it especially difficult for those agencies who rely on donations to help those less fortunate. Many businesses saw their income drop and some employees their pay reduced as well.

"Even if people did not have a productive year, they still find in their heart to share what ever they have with others," Garza said.

Some people donate their time instead.

All non-profits in the Rio Grande Valley are getting more phone calls, walk-ins and requests for service since more people are in dire straits.

There are many good agencies that are doing their best with the little money they have to help people.

So if you want to help in any form, contact non-profits organizations of the valley like United Way, Food Bank RGV, Salvation Army. Catholic Social Services or call your local church.

You can also search for more organizations in your area in case you want to help a specific group like victims of crime or domestic violence.

NEED HELP?

If you need help, contact the organizations mentioned above. But if you need help with food stamps or paying your rent or bills or call 211, the Information and Referral center, that gives information both in Spanish and English. They will connect you with the most appropriate agency to meet your need.

BE ALERT

Just make sure that the organization you pick is authentic, to avoid being a victim of fraud, specially when making cash donations. Go for well-known and established organizations.

"Verify that the organization you are contemplating in donate is legitimate," said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez.

"Don’t do things over the phone, if someone calls you do not give your credit card number over the phone, ask them to send you a statement" Rodriguez said.

You can hang up, and find in the Internet the number listed for that organization, call the number listed and ask for information if you still want to make a donation.

Bottom line, try to make sure that you are contacting the authentic non-profit.

"Fraudulent schemes will take place over the phone because they are easy, fast and least traceable," Rodriguez said.