Released by the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas:

Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts.  In a recent release of the top complaints reported to BBB, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received.  With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.

“Be wary of the red flags for fraudulent debt collectors”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Refusing to reveal the name of their agency or demands that the payments be made in cash or money transfer only, could mean that a phony debt collector is making an attempt at identity theft”.

It’s important for consumers to verify the alleged debt before taking action.

Released by Welcome Home Soldier: 

Dear WHS Family,

At our recent Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, I said that I need to at least partly step down from the leadership of WHS,, partly because of my husband's health and partly because of my own health. But in order to do that, we must have another leader who is committed enough and free enough to be able to serve when needed and to help us along the way. Polly is wonderful, but it is too much to ask her to do it all by herself. I am sure that none of you realize how much time, planning, gas, community involvement, and working around family, friends and social activities leadership in WHS takes.

This weekend I am unable to help with any of these welcomes, and Polly will do it all. I have done the same by myself, but it is really difficult and stressful to do it alone, and it is unfair to ask Polly to do it all.

Released by the East Texas Food Bank:

Help Stamp Out Hunger in East Texas. On Saturday, May 12th, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) in East Texas will collect food for the East Texas Food Bank. Now in its 20th year, the annual food drive has grown from a regional to a national effort that provides assistance to the millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.

“Stamp Out Hunger is one of the easiest ways to help fight hunger in our community without even leaving your home,” said Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank.