The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs cautions consumers that Journey for the Cure Foundation of Hume, Virginia has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes.

However, as of May 13, 2009, this organization has not registered with or been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner as required by law. Therefore, contributors are cautioned that their contributions to such organization may be used for non-charitable purposes.

The Department recommends that before responding to any charitable appeal by making a donation or by making a purchase in the name of a charity, consumers verify that the organization is registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Current registration status for charitable organizations can be found on the department’s Website when you click on Charitable Search.

Consumers should also determine how much of their donation will be actually used to support the organization’s charitable purpose and how much will be used for other expenses such as administrative overhead and fundraising.

For additional information, call the VDACS Office of Consumer Affairs, toll-free in Virginia at 800-552-9963 or in the Richmond area call 804-786-2042.