Veterans Support Organization accused of "fleecing the American public"

Critics say national charity exploiting homeless vets
WSBTV.com
By Kerry Kavanaugh
Feb. 18, 2013

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has discovered a national charity, accused of exploiting homeless veterans, has set up shop in Georgia.

Critics say the Veterans Support Organization's methods of fundraising are taking advantage of the veterans it claims to help.

Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh spent weeks digging into the group's activities. Kavanaugh first heard of this group when its representatives approached her to do a story about their work.

The Veterans Support Organization claims its work program is putting homeless veterans back on their feet. The program consists of little more than donation buckets and smiles.

The VSO pays the veterans minimum wage to solicit donations outside storefronts year round.

Channel 2 Action News has discovered once the money hits the bucket, only a small percentage is donated to veterans in need.

"They're fleecing the American public," said Charlie Tucker, past president of the Georgia Department of the American Legion. "You're not training me to do anything but be a panhandler."
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