Have you ever gotten a call from someone trying to collect money for a police or firefighter’s group? You may not know it but the people calling are professional fundraisers, and the money being collected goes to that person. Almost nothing goes to the police or firefighters. Yet, these organizations have been very successful since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In many cases, what little money is left over goes to union organizations, not for charity purposes. So, how do you show your support and faith in a cause while making sure you’re giving the money to a legitimate cause? When someone calls for this reason, always ask to be sent literature before you give money. If the group is legit, it will send you propaganda. If it is not, the people will hang up. Christa, Clark’s executive producer, also suggests giving items that emergency workers can use at the fire and police stations, such as pots and pans or a new appliance. Drop by the station house and ask them what they need. You can do them a world of good and help them do their jobs better just by asking.