A young lady once called and asked me to send money to help children with cancer.

My immediate reaction was, of course I would help.

Before we finalized the transaction, I remembered some advice I had read somewhere: "What percentage of my money will actually go to the children?" (Note: they are required to answer this question.)

I was shocked to hear her reply, without hesitation or explanation: "15 percent."

Think about that. Only 15 percent of their collected cash donations goes to those children they claim to be so concerned about.

I've since heard that there are "charitable organizations" which pass along a mere one or two per cent to the needy.

I suppose this is just enough to allow them to claim that they do indeed give something to those in need.

In today's mail I received another request for my donation dollars. This time it was "Feed the Children." Ah, Jeez...Children...starving...My emotions were getting the best of me...Wait! Let's confirm this.

It took about one minute on the Internet to see that this charity was not what it seemed. Did it meet state (Oklahoma) and national legal requirements for a company asking for funds? Maybe-but that's just part of the problem.

Calling yourself a "non-profit" or a "Charitable Foundation" these days is mighty easy. What did I find out about this company? In a nutshell, Feed the Children (FC), an "AIP F-rated charity," spends only 18 percent of its cash budget on program services.

As we move into the "charity season" we can expect more requests to give to those less fortunate than ourselves.

We give because we are decent and caring people. We also give because we're on lists of names of those who do give, and those who ask know we will.

It's terrible to have to be so cynical. If one can afford to give, giving a great humanitarian act.

Taking a portion of what we don't immediately need-and giving it to another whose physical and/or mental well being can be elevated...That is good stuff!

But the sad truth is, billions of dollars of our heartfelt charity goes to cold-callers, advertising firms, accountants, and so on.

Sure, there are administrative costs associated with the operation of any charity. But real volunteers should not expect monetary reward for their efforts. That's what "volunteer" means.

That young lady and the other telemarketers working the phones with her were in it for a paycheck; and her bosses are looking at the profit potential.

Unless it's a charity of which you have direct knowledge, don't give anything without first asking the question: "What percentage of my contribution will actually go to those in need?"

There are some wonderful charities out there-including the Federal Way-based World Vision-which puts 86.5 percent of every dollar toward those in need. Does its President make a large salary? Yes, as a matter of fact he does. Oh, well. But that 86.5 percent figure is the one we need to keep in mind.

This is one more area that desperately needs more regulation. Public awareness can help.

If you've already received information in the mail, don't feel skittish about calling the customer service number to ask the question. But don't be surprised if you can't get through. I tried to reach someone at the Children's Fund.

The automated voice had me clicking on options to extensions that led nowhere. They clearly did not want calls.

Thus my Internet search. By the way, one of the best watch dog sites is www.charitywatch.org. If the charity is on record in any state, you'll be able to find what you need. If it's not there at all, well, that also tells you what you need to know.

When I was still angry about the 15 percent figure I was given, I called the Attorney General's office for the state in which that charity was on file. They did seem interested.

There may not have been any laws broken here, but the AG needs information if they are to keep an eye on specific charities.

It's like any business practice complaint-the authorities need to hear from us to know the extent of the problem.

Spread the word and let's stop this abuse. Imagine the number of happy faces there would be if our charitable contributions all made it to their intended destination. Then what we imagine can actually come true.