MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP -- From road races to fundraising dinners, many organizations in our area have raised thousands of dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Now that nationwide veterans' charity is taking fire, accused of wasting millions of dollars intended for combat victims.
The Wounded Warrior Project ranks as one of the largest and fastest growing veterans charities in the U.S. But after critical news reports, one group in our area that helped raise money for the charity is now looking at other veterans organizations to help.
In August, Neil Davis passed through the Poconos on a cross-country walk to raise money and awareness for wounded veterans. He hurt his leg and ended up spending a week in Middle Smithfield Township.
"While he was here, we thought why not have a fundraiser and make the best use of his sick time," Middle Smithfield Township supervisor Annette Atkinson said.
Some of the funds raised went to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Former workers of that nationwide charity claim the charity spent too much on itself and not enough on veterans needing help.
"When I first read it and thought of Neil and what he was trying to do, it just made me sick. And it made me feel terrible about how he must feel," Atkinson said.
The New York Times reports former Wounded Warrior Project workers claim the charity paid for $500 a night hotel rooms, and flights and dinners described as lavish.
Figures from an online rating service called Charity Navigator show, that in 2014, the Wounded Warrior Project spent 40 percent of its donations on administrative costs and marketing.
That's far more than national charities with similar missions such as Disabled American Veterans and Semper Fi.
The Wounded Warrior Project has raised thousands in our area. Just over a year ago, a walk/run in Moscow, Lackawanna County raised hundreds as did a break-a-thon at a karate studio in Dallas, Luzerne County.
And last year, a National Guardsman from Selinsgrove netted $2,500 for the charity by running 23 miles in fatigues.
Then there's Barry Sones, a farmer from the Muncy area.
"There's too many people out there making six-figure salaries," said Sones of Moreland Township.
Sones raised $30,000 in the past three years, some from a 2013 winter bike ride to Florida. Sones' money goes to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, a group not connected to the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Pennsylvania organization is run entirely by volunteers.
"96 cents out of every dollar goes to a wounded warrior. Four cents out of that dollar goes to run the organization," Sones said.
The Wounded Warrior Project responded to the criticism, saying:
"Wounded Warrior Project is trusted by nearly 100,000 veterans, their caregivers, and families, to provide them with critical care programs and services every day."
The organization added its own figures show 19--not 40 percent--of money raised pays its overhead.
In Monroe County, Neil Davis plans to return this summer, to thank supporters and raise more awareness and money for wounded veterans.
"They're very excited for his return and very excited to help. But we'll just have to find a different vehicle to help these veterans," Atkinson said.
If you are looking to give to money to a veterans group or any other charity, or want to know how much of their budget is actually spent on the people it serves, go to:
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