It's said a person should give to charity until it hurts, but do it at your own risk.

Video: Word On The Street (12/17/07)

There are a lot of religious groups, charitable and other organizations that need financial help. But you can make up your own mind about the Police Protective Fund -- just don't be fooled.

I received a phone call from one of its phone solicitors this week. The caller said 100 percent of the fund is used to benefit families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

The association, based in Hollywood, Calif., is registered with the Tennessee Solicitation Board and claims its mission is to provide educational material and death benefits for officers killed in the line of duty.

Last year, it reported revenues of $5.9 million, with $3.7 million, or almost 68 percent, shelled out for fund raising.

About $1.5 million, the fund claims, went for program expenses, $601,000 for expenses and $138,000 for management and general expenses.

As a word of caution, the Metro Police Department refuses to endorse the Police Protective Fund. The department does endorse the 100 Club which provides for Metro officers, firefighters and EMTs who lose their lives or are severely injured in the line of duty. It also supports the Fraternal Order of Police's Youth Camp.

The Police Protective Fund has a phone answering service in Nashville but no office here.

And I can tell you, I won't be donating any money to the Police Protective Fund.