RALEIGH, N.C. -- It’s good news for those in need in North Carolina.

  • This year's net percent going to the charities was 70.35 percent
  • NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall says she is seeing more money being given and more of it being used on the charity's cause
  • Marshall also took time to remind folks to be mindful when they give their time or money.

“This year's net percent going to the charities was 70.35 percent,” said NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. “If that's not a record, in the good way, then I am sure it is close to it.”

Marshall's office oversees charitable solicitation licensing in the state. She says this year she is seeing more money being given and more of that money being used on the charity's cause.

“Charities are getting more efficient,” said Marshall. “They are using their dollars for what people gave them. I'm incredibly proud of the people of North Carolina.”

In the 2017-18 report, charities and non-profits that use professional fundraising services received over $45 million. And that doesn't include the huge efforts made in the wake of recent natural disasters in our state.

The backdrop for Monday's announcement was at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, which thrives on charitable giving. It has been extremely important in the wake of Hurricane Florence and has in fact already given out 5.5 million pounds of food.

“And that's on top of our daily operations with over 900 partner agencies that we work with,” said Amy Beros, the Vice President of Development the Food Bank.

The Food Bank says as much as people give, there is always a need for more.

“One of the worst things about these storms is that it can take years,” said Beros. “When Florence hit, we were still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Matthew. That was two years ago, and we still have several hundred families that are still displaced and still in great need.”

Marshall also took time to remind folks to be mindful when they give their time or money.

“I say, be careful,” said Marshall. “It’s very easy to get emotional about these things and do charitable giving. But we saw something just last week, where a very sad story, a total loving story, turned out to be a fraud."

If you have concerns about a specific charity, you should contact the Secretary of State's office at: 888-830-4989.