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POSSIBLE FUNDRAISING SCAM USING WEST TEXAS FOOD BANK NAME IN REEVES COUNTY

Citizens in the city of Pecos are asked to be on alert by sheriff’s office for individual selling fake raffle tickets

JAN. 25, 2012 -- PECOS, TX -- In response to a possible fundraising scam in Reeves County, the West Texas Food Bank announces that an individual claiming to be selling raffle tickets on behalf of the West Texas Food Bank in the city of Pecos has no ties to the Food Bank and does not have permission to use the 501 (c)3 nonprofit’s name in his solicitations.

The alert was raised by the sheriff’s office in Reeves County. Sargent Deputy Jerry Millan said they are aware of a man going door-to-door selling “raffle tickets” for a nine-inch TV to be awarded after the Super Bowl. The man also claims he will return later to hand out the actual tickets and that they are $2 each.

The West Texas Food Bank does not and will not authorize any group or organization to ask for donations door-to-door or conduct fundraising in any way on its behalf, unless it is a canned food drive.

Anyone who has questions regarding possible scam, or has more information on the man in question, is asked to contact Sargent Deputy Millan at 432-445-4903.

If you have questions about the West Texas Food Bank and/or our fundraising efforts, please call Paige Phelps, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 432-553-2018.

Media Contact:
Paige Phelps
West Texas Food Bank
Director of Marketing and Community Relations
432-553-2018
paigephelps@feedingamerica.org

WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Please take 5 minutes of your day to let our elected officials in D.C. know that "cuts in nutrition programs will be devastating to families in West Texas!" **Also on the table: proposals to cap or end charitable donation tax deductions and increase not-for-profit mail rates!

It's simple: just call 1-877-698-8228 & you'll be connected directly to ALL your Senators' and Representatives' offices simply by staying on the line after each call.

The West Texas Food Bank cannot adequately serve our communities without USDA Nutrition Programs. A sample script is below if you'd like to use our words, otherwise please just speak from your heart about the urgent need to end hunger in America.

"With the need for food assistance at unprecedented levels, our food bank cannot afford cuts to anti-hunger programs or a cap on the charitable deduction tax credit. Please oppose any cuts to nutrition assistance programs or capping the charitable tax deduction during the deficit negotiations.”

Thank you! Your time is invaluable to our mission to feed the hungry in our communities.

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