Warning Issued on Solicitations

An unauthorized person or group may be making telephone solicitations on behalf of the Santa Barbara-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties.

Officials with the nonprofit charity say they have received several calls from local residents asking whether the group is conducting a fund-raising campaign.

“Make-A-Wish does not conduct telephone or door-to-door solicitation,” said Brenda Fletcher, president of the local chapter. “However, we are often confused with organizations that do.”

Some legitimate charities do use telemarketing to solicit financial support, Fletcher said. But questionable calls should be reported to the district attorney.

The local Make-A-Wish chapter has granted more than 300 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses since 1985. For more information, call 681-1644. --NICK GREEN