Dec 6, 2024 3 min read

MISS: The holidays are a time of giving, and that frequently includes giving to charities and other worthy organizations. The problem, though, is that there are unscrupulous people out there who are trying to take advantage of the season’s spirit of generosity to fraudulently enrich themselves. This week, the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro issued tips for people to avoid being scammed. The recommendations include swatting away high-pressure solicitations; being wary of anyone who claims that 100% of your money will go to those in need, because all organizations have to pay for rent, staff, fundraising and mailing; and avoiding anybody who asks that money be sent by wire transfer, money order or gift card. Also, the Shapiro administration suggests checking twice and making sure someone who wants your money isn’t using a name that’s similar to an established, legitimate charity. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt explained, “The holiday season brings out the spirit of giving, and Pennsylvanians have always done their part. Sadly, every year criminals try to take advantage of generous people by conning them into giving to a group or person that is not a legitimate, registered charity.”

HIT: It goes without saying that putting someone behind bars is a form of punishment – taking away your liberty for days, weeks, months or years at a time is a very serious penalty – but incarceration should also include paths to rehabilitation and independence for those who will be released after serving a sentence. In Fayette County, $900,000 in federal dollars is going to the Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA) to support a reentry program that allows inmates to get a General Education Development (GED) diploma. It will be spread out over three years, with $300,000 each year, and be used to hire a state-certified instructor for GED classes at Fayette County’s jail, and cover the cost of two full-time career counselors who will work with inmates to plan on how they will gain employment once they have served their time. Virtual classes might also be offered to inmates from the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute and the Westmoreland County Community College. Educating inmates and aiming them toward employment when they are free is an important way to keep them from returning to jail.

HIT: Families in Washington County that are grappling with food insecurity and might have otherwise had to forego a Thanksgiving meal this year were able to have one thanks to 2000 Turkeys. The 40-year-old holiday initiative is co-sponsored by the Observer-Reporter and the Washington radio station WJPA, and has forged partnerships with the Greater Washington County Food Bank and Food Helpers, along with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This year, $205,140 was raised, surpassing the goal that had been set. Jennifer Zgurich, director of corporate and community giving at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, explained that there are about 24,000 people in Washington County who face hunger, including 1 in 7 children. She added, “This initiative took away the financial stress of a meal and allowed thousands of families to simply enjoy time with each other around the dinner table this Thanksgiving.”