My niece posted this information on Facebook today

[Marthe48]

http://www.adoptafamilyusvi.com/about-us/


Does anyone know if it is legitimate? Thank you

[canetoad]

1. It seems well intentioned

But there is no address or contact details on the web page.

Googling the name 'Sabrina Jureidini' found on one of the pages brings up these articles:

http://wric.com/2017/09/19/local-couple-helping-send-relief-to-hurricane-victims-in-the-virgin-islands/

http://www.nbc12.com/story/36431356/va-couple-helps-thousands-of-families-after-back-to-back-storms

Nowhere can I find evidence of any tangible assistance they have given.

[procon]

2. I'd say be cautious.

From their link above:

Are you a 501(c)3?

No. We are a group of volunteers all from the US Virgin Islands trying to make a difference in a personalized manner.


Can I donate money to your cause?

Thank you so much for the generous offer. Unfortunately, we are not set-up to receive funds and would prefer that you select an organization that is setup to quickly disperse funds to the community such as The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands:


How will we be able to confirm that the boxes are received by families in the VI?

When you ship your box keep the ticket slip so you can track your package.



Where are you based out of?

We are a big group helping out! The initiative was created by Sabrina Jureidini and Pam Engle. We have additional volunteers all who were displaced by hurricane Irma and Maria helping out behind the scenes. We are all based throughout different states in the US. Our true home however is St Thomas. We are doing what we can to help from afar and help rebuild the island.


http://www.adoptafamilyusvi.com/faq/

Maybe look for an established charity group would be a more reliable choice for disaster aid.

[Marthe48]

3. Thank you for condensing the information

I've already donated to Red Cross. I would like to have someone come and stay with me, someone who'd be better off away from the rebuilding effort. I've asked a couple of places, but no reply.

[Leith]

4. I Would Not Trust Them

Go to:

who.is (yes, that's the entire web address)

Plug "adoptafamilyusvi.com" into the search engine.

Hit enter and see that they are hiding who the URL belongs to. Would a proper organization do that?

[Marthe48]

5. Thanks!

That is a good site to keep handy

[Leith]

6. Yes, It Is!

I use it quite often.