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Check out charities, then give Is there any way to verify that a charity is legitimate? -- A.T., Medford Good question, A.T. Before writing a check or signing a pledge to some charity that's been calling or knocking on your door, it's a good idea to do a little research first. You can confirm a charity's legitimacy by checking with the Oregon Department of Justice at (503) 229-5725, or by visiting its Web site at www.doj.state.or.us and clicking on the link to charitable activities. The state monitors charitable organizations, but not all charities have to register: Religious groups such as the Salvation Army, for example, are exempt. Those who are registered are required to tell potential donors how donation dollars are spent, officials at the attorney general's office say. The Philanthropic Advisory Service, a branch of the national Council of Better Business Bureaus, recommends a 50-percent rule: If a charity spends less than half of the money it receives directly on programs, beware. One way to keep better track of how your donation dollars are being spent is to give locally, officials say. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA