Bonta promotes generosity and cautions against holiday season scams

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is advising residents to exercise caution when contributing their time or money to charitable organizations during the holidays. Bonta spent Giving Tuesday volunteering alongside students at Joeys Food Locker, a food pantry on the campus of Natomas High School.

Each week, pantry manager Osvaldo Ortiz coordinates grocery distributions for more than 500 families across Northern California. It makes a huge difference, Ortiz said. We want families in need to have the option to access food and support.

Bonta reinforced the importance of charitable giving while highlighting the risk of scams. I encourage people to donate, but make sure your contributions go to legitimate organizations, he said. There are simple steps you can take to verify charities and protect yourself.

Donors are encouraged to check that their chosen charities are listed in the Attorney Generals Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.

This advisory comes several months after Bonta successfully challenged the Trump administrations attempts to reduce funding for community-based programs, including AmeriCorps. Some political critics argue that Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom have focused more on litigation than local issues. Assemblymember James Gallagher commented, Wheres the announcement hes protecting the public, which is what hes supposed to be doing?

Regardless of politics, volunteers at Joeys Food Locker hope Californians will participate in acts of service this season. Its about supporting one another, Ortiz said.

Author: Sophia Brooks