In the traditional Christmas song “Deck the Halls,” the second line says “Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.” A lovely song I wouldn’t dare change the lyrics to, but would use as a tool to make a point. Instead of saying “Tis the season to be Jolly,” I would remind everyone it, tis the season to be cautious. Christmas is the season of giving, and we tend to make contributions to our favorite charities. Veteran organizations and charities are some of the recipients of our generosity. Therefore, it is important to know who is receiving our money and how wisely it will be used. One of the first things to look at is the overall rating of the charity. The next thing of interest is the amount of funds received spent on the intended purpose. Charity Watch, charitywatch.org, uses a letter rating with A+ as best, while Charity Navigator, charitynavigator.org, uses a star system with four stars as best.

I am asked quite frequently about veteran charities. It is quite easy to check the status of  any charity through the two websites listed above, Charity Watch and Charity Navigator. According to a vice president of marketing for Charity Navigator, quality charities usually expend at least 75 percent of their income on programs they are suppose to be helping. And, yes, there are some who do not meet this standard due to high fundraising and administrative cost. Six figure salaries are pretty common place with some of these charities now, although it still doesn‘t bode well with me. You think of a charity as an entity of sacrifice for the purpose they serve, not to enrich some executive.

The three listed charities below give an example of the ratings and the charities website for further information. There is no intended partiality toward either one of these or of other choices. It is all a matter of choice of the donor.

Fisher House Foundation: (MD) – fisherhouse.org – A+ — 92 percent to programs 4/2015 — 4 stars 12/2014. Provides a home and supportive environment near all major veteran medical facilities for veterans and families receiving medical treatment.

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund: (CA) – semperfifund.org – 4 star 6/2014. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund  A+ — 93 percent to programs 4/2015. Provides immediate and long-term support for post-9/11 injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund: (NY) – fallenheroesfund.org — A+ 92 percent to programs — 2/2015. Not rated by Charity Navigator. Provides services in support of military personnel severely injured in support of our nation; services are designed to improve the medical care provided to them and enhance their ability to return to military service or a productive and independent civilian life.

This is not by any means a complete list of charities deserving of your contributions. However, I would suggest you check before you write a check.

Also, I am sure our local veterans organizations, The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, would appreciate your consideration for their charities.