COLUMBIA, SC -- Secretary of State Mark Hammond encourages South Carolinians wishing to reach out to those affected by the recent wildfires in North Myrtle Beach to do so wisely.

Potential donors may verify if a soliciting organization is registered with the Secretary of State's Office by searching our online charities database at www.scsos.com. Click on the white "Charity Search" box and enter the name of the charity you are researching.

Not all charities are required to register with the Secretary of State's Office due to statutory exemptions (such as religious groups or Congressionally-chartered veterans' organizations). Users can also click on the "Public Charities" section of our Webpage, scroll down and view on the left hand side, a listing of "Helpful Websites for Charities." Choose one of these sites to continue your search.

You can also call our Charities Division at 1-888-242-7484 for more information.

"Many full-time South Carolina residents, as well as seasonal homeowners have lost everything in this tragedy," said Secretary Hammond. "They have been displaced and face many fears in these hard economic times. I ask South Carolinians considering donating to check out any organization before making a contribution. Be sure to ask what percentage of your contribution will assist those displaced or affected by the wildfires. Our thoughts, prayers and actions go out to our neighbors along the coast."

Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) offers these tips to consider before giving to a charitable cause during a time of crisis:

Give to an Established Charity

Find a charity with a proven track record of success in dealing with the type of disaster and in the region in which the disaster occurred. If you feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status.

Designate Your Gift

By designating your gift, you'll ensure that your donation will be used as you intended. Most charities with online giving portals offer a check box feature so that you can tell the organization how to spend your contribution. If you are mailing in a check, then write a note in the memo section of the check specifying that you want your gift spent entirely on the current crisis.

Question Telemarketers

Be wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own. Once you feel comfortable with the charity, send the organization a check directly in the mail, or give through their Website, thus ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the charity and not the for-profit fundraiser.

Research and Follow Up

As always, take the time to find a charity you can trust. There are several free online financial evaluators to search for well-run charities worthy of your support. Go to the Secretary of State's Public Charities page at www.scsos.com/Public_Charities for a listing of helpful links.

Give Online

The inherent speed of online giving provides instant gratification to donors and offers charities immediate access to much needed funds.