Noteboom The Law Firm

Veterans Support Organization Draws Critics For Panhandling

February 17, 2011 - The Veterans Support Organization (VSO) was established to help veterans by raising money. They raise that money by panhandling, which draws heavy criticism. The criticism focuses on not only how the money is raised, but the fact that VSO collectors keep 30% of whatever they collect. The remaining 70% goes to the VSO, which is then used to help veterans and for administration purposes.

Collectors see their jobs as a way for them to help veterans while making money. Many critics see panhandling for money is both humiliating for, and unbecoming of, American veterans and this country's military. Critics' disapproval of the VSO ranges from how the collectors dress to the VSO's accounting procedures. Critics take issue with the VSO being able to accurately account for the money. The VSO panhandlers dress in khaki uniforms, which critics feel give off the impression to donators they are giving money directly to veterans. Critics go farther than that, however, and feel the uniforms are worn specifically to deceive the general public.

VSO spokespeople deny the outfits are worn as part of a ruse and insist only verified veterans are allowed to wear fatigues while collecting. Non-veterans wear Khakis with badges designating themselves as non-veterans.

The VSO has been in existence since 1999 and raised almost $6 million last year, which went to support veterans in 17 different states. The VSO spent about 60% of the money they raised on veterans programs, with the rest going to VSO's costs. The VSO also operates thrift stores and food banks to help homeless veterans. In response to critics' condemnation of the VSO using panhandling to raise their money, VSO spokespeople liken themselves to performing identical activities as Salvation Army bell ringers.