ILLEGAL CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS

Residents are often suspicious about solicitors going door-to-door or charities making their pitches by mail or phone. According to city officials, no one may solicit in the city without filing financial and other information with the Los Angeles Social Service Department. After review by the city, approved solicitors receive an information card to show prospective donors that provides details about the organization, its officers and its finances.

The Social Service Department suggests that donors not make out a check to the person soliciting and, instead, study the information supplied by the solicitor and send any contributions to the organization itself.

Donors with questions about the legitimacy of an organization should call the department of social services at (213) 485-5003.

The following organizations, found to be soliciting within the city of Los Angeles without city approval, have been issued cease-and-desist orders by the Social Service Department since Jan. 1:

American National Veterans, Colton, Calif.

California Veterans Advocacy Corp., Oakland.

Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, Millbrook, N.Y.

The Hope School, Springfield, Ill.

Non-Commissioned Officers Assn., Washington, D.C.

Olive Crest Treatment Centers for Abused Children, Anaheim.

The Romanian Club, Santa Monica.

Shirt Shuttle, Woodland Hills.

United Bicolandia of Los Angeles.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 4, Santa Monica.

Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc., Washington, D.C.

Vietnam Veterans of California, Sacramento.

Source: City of Los Angeles Department of Social Services