I’m sorry that I have had to keep certain things quiet lately, but there are times when I need to protect myself, protect others, and make sure I have the facts before speaking publicly.

However, there is something I need to make VERY CLEAR:

NO ONE is authorized to collect money, cash donations, or financial contributions on behalf of Erie County Blotter.

If someone tells you they are collecting money on behalf of Erie County Blotter, please contact me directly before giving them anything.

At this time, the primary way we have asked supporters to help is through our Amazon Wish List, ( https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LD8DXWX2KCPV?ref_=wl_share ) where people can purchase specific supplies that are actually needed. This provides transparency because supporters can see exactly what they are purchasing and what it is intended for.

I am asking everyone to please be careful when donating to any individual, organization, rescue, outreach group, fundraiser, or community program.

DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Before giving someone your hard earned money, ask questions.

Are they actually a registered nonprofit?

Do they really have tax exempt status?

Are they incorporated if they claim to be?

Who is actually responsible for the organization?

Where are donations going?

Can their claims be verified through public records?

Simply putting words like “nonprofit,” “organization,” “community outreach,” or “rescue” in a name does not automatically make an organization legitimate.

There are public records available that can help verify many of these claims. Please use them.

And if you ever have a question regarding anything Erie County Blotter is requesting, collecting, or supporting, ASK ME.

My work in the community, public safety outreach, and animal rescue is not something I hide. Anyone with legitimate questions about my involvement can contact the appropriate agencies or organizations I work with to verify who I am and the work I do.

I would much rather have someone ask questions before donating than discover afterward that their generosity may have been misused.

Please protect yourselves.

Please protect your families.

Please protect the people who genuinely need help.

And most importantly, never be afraid to ask where your money or donations are actually going.

I’m sorry that I even have to put something like this out publicly, but it HAS TO BE SAID FOR A REASON.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support what I do, whether that is through supplies, sharing information, helping an animal, assisting someone in need, or simply supporting Erie County Blotter.

Shawn McMahon
Erie County Blotter