BBB: Research how charities use their money before you donate

QUINCY, Ill. (WLS) -- The Better Business Bureau is warning you to do your research before donating to a charity.

Carolyn Hatfield from Quincy, Ill., said she told a telemarketer that she would donate $20 to the Center for American Homeless. But later, she said, she had a gut feeling to call the BBB. It found only about $2 of her $20 would actually go to the organization.

The BBB report shows more than 95 percent of the donations are used to pay fundraising firms, salaries and other expenses.