Other LanguagesOur hearts were torn when four Lakewood police officers were killed this week. Many are looking for ways to donate money to help families of the victims. But some fundraisers may not be legit.
If you want to give to the officer’s families, the Lakewood Police Independent Guild has set up a fund. You can donate at www.lpig.us or mail a check made out to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild Charity Fund to P.O. Box 99579, Lakewood, WA, 98496.
According to the Web site, "LPIG is not soliciting or seeking donations to the children by phone or e-mail contact nor have we authorized any other organization to do so. ... All donations and proceeds that we obtain go to the children of our fallen officers in a trust."
This is a popular time for commercial fundraisers and charities to be calling. As a general rule, you should always search the Secretary of State’s Office online database to make sure an organization is registered to solicit in Washington. Ask questions about how the money will be used and don’t be fooled by names that sound official. Just because an organization claims to be raising money for law enforcement, doesn’t mean that money will go to your local police or sheriff’s department.