The 14th annual Scrooges and Angels list has once again been chosen according to Secretary of State Mark Hammond. The “Angels” list represents organizations that exemplify charitable giving in SouthCarolina with the percentage of their program expenses going toward the program activities. Pendleton Place, Inc. of Greenvillereceived top honors on the Angel’s list with 95% of the funds received going to the program.

Hammond’s designated “Scrooges” list  is based upon a charitable organization’s failure to spend a high percentage of their collections on the stated program activities. At the bottom of this list was the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund from Arlington, Virginia with 14.3% of their funds collected being used for program activities.

While those on the Angels list are only recognized one time, there are repeat offenders on the Scrooge list.

Secretary of State Mark Hammond says that if organizations are soliciting in the state of South Carolina, by law, they must be registered in the state or be fined. Hammond said, “Just last year we collected over $160,000 in fines from charitable organizations that were largely using paid professionals solicitors who were misleading our citizens in South Carolina.”

Hammond says that South Carolinians are some of the most generous people, and answer the call when it comes to helping the less fortunate. ” In these tough economic times we need to make sure that every dollar donated reaches it’s fullest potential. There’s a lot of folks out there in need. We just ask the people of South Carolina to check these organizations out before they write the check.”

To find out information about the organization and how much they spend on fund raising, Hammond encourages citizens to call the office or check out the website before donating their money. The Secretary of State’s website is www.scsos.com and the toll free number is 888-242-7484.

Firefighters around South Carolina and the nation have some help coming from Congress. 

 The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act which passed the House this week renews two important programs – the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program – that provide assistance to firefighters and emergency responders all over the country.

 US Representative John Spratt says he voted to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need.

“I cosponsored and voted for this bill, because firefighters give so much to our community,” Spratt said. “They sacrifice time away from their families and put their lives at risk every day.”

The bill authorizes $2.2 billion a year for five years in grants and makes it easier for local fire departments to access critical funds by lowering matching requirements and changing time commitments. The grant program provides funds for local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase crucial equipment.

 Grants are provided for one year.   Spratt says the staffing program gives grants directly to volunteer, career, and combination fire departments to increase the number of firefighters, with the goal of obtaining 24-hour staffing.

“Because of the recession, many fire departments across the country have been forced to lay off firefighters and forego needed equipment and training,” Spratt said. “Grants such as these protect against such hardships, because firefighters and emergency responders should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment.”

Spratt says ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched, taking on more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks.

 In the 5th District of South Carolina alone, fire grants have helped fire departments in or near Van Wyck, Elgin, Sharon, Wallace, Rock Hill, Richburg, Darlington, Chesterfield, Dillon, Heath Springs, Bennettsville, Newberry, Lancaster, Winnsboro, Gaffney, Blacksburg, Great Falls, Lugoff, Kershaw, Chappells, Latta, Society Hill, Ruby, Edgemoor, Clio, Sumter, Camden, Cheraw, Richburg, McColl, Jefferson, Prosperity, Pageland, Bishopville, Whitmire, Little Mountain, Blacksburg, Fort Mill, Smyrna, Blenheim, Pomaria, Chester, Clover, and McBee.