Town Topics
24 April, 1991
Warning on Fund Raising
In recent months, people presenting themselves as legitimate fund raisers for the Princeton First Aid Squad and the Princeton Fire Department have been soliciting area residents and businesses. Last year, similar attempts were made, for the reported purpose of printing booklets for the Police Department to distribute to area schools.
“The efforts take money out of your pocket and away from our local emergency services,” said Princeton First Aid Squad Captain Ed Obert. According to the first aid and fire department officials, these types of misrepresentations occur on a regular basis. Gimmicks include ad books for emergency services that supposedly provide backup services to Princeton organizations, as well as requests to contribute to the Princeton Area Heart Attack Squad and to booklets to be distributed in schools. Special offers for key rings or pens, whose sale will benefit area groups, is another gimmick.
The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad does all of its own fundraising. Every year, two fundraising mailings are sent out; one in the fall and one around the Christmas-New Year holiday season. All donations are sent directly to the First Aid Squad and the squad’s solicitations are well marked with its name and financial statement.
The Princeton Fire Department does not solicit money from the community directly. Instead, it accepts voluntary contributions to either the Princeton Fire Department Equipment Fund or the Princeton Fire Department Inner Company Fund. The department receives funding from the municipalities for operating funds. The two Princeton police departments also are supported by tax dollars.
Any questions on voluntary.contributions should be directed to either chief.
Most of these bogus fund raising attempts use up to 99% of the monies they raise for fund raising or “public education” costs. For most, public education costs are the costs to send the solicitation letter.
Mr. Obert asks that all solicitations ‘be read carefully. If there are any questions, call the First Aid Squad directly.