By THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Give generously, but give smartly.

Police and the Department of Commerce say givers can take steps to ensure donations are going to good use this holiday season.

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Start by checking http://bit.ly/uAtUI3 to see if the charity has registered with the state’s Division of Consumer Protection and what percentage of the contributions the charity receives are spent on their charitable purpose. Authorities also suggest the following:

1. Know your right to receive solicitations that are accurate and truthful and ask questions including:

"What is the full name of the charity?"

"What is its permit number?"

"Are solicitors paid or volunteer?"

"What programs and services does the charity provide in Utah?"

2. Take precautions when making a contribution.

— Never give your credit card or checking account information to any organization with which you are not familiar, and never send cash through the mail.

— Get a receipt for cash donations, and always write checks to the organization, not to the individual collecting the money.

— Don’t send your contributions to a post office box.

3. Select your charities with care by choosing groups whose interest and concerns are similar to your own and evaluate the organization’s goals and programs.