1. Are you registered as a nonprofit corporation?
Yes. Marion County Search and Rescue, Incorporated was registered as a 401(c)(4) nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service on September 25, 1968. We registered with the Oregon State Tax Commission on September 10, 1968.

2. Do you have any paid staff?
No. We have no paid staff and all Board members are volunteers. We do occasionally hire professional fundraisers who are paid a percentage of what they raise.

3. Is there any place I can check on you?
Yes. We report anually to the Oregon Secretary of State. Go to http://www.doj.state.or.us/ChariGroup/welcome2.htm, click on "search charities", and search for "Marion County Search and Rescue, Inc" to find our latest report.

A summary of our search missions is posted online at http://www.crew18.org/annual.htm, and a history of the unit going back to the 1950's is at http://www.crew18.org/history.htm

4. What do you do with my donation?
Spend it! Running a volunteer rescue team is expensive. Your donation will be used to meet the operating expenses of the team - things like....

• insurance and maintenance for our two vehicles (1986 Ford 2-ton 4x4 truck and 1982 Chevrolet Suburban)
• specialized equpment, like climbing ropes, first aid equipment, 2-way radios, GPS receivers, tents, headlamps and snow shoes
• consumable supplies, like radio batteries, food, kitchen supplies, and propane

5. What specific things do you need?
We maintain a "want list" of specific items we need for donors who would rather purchase an item and donate it rather than give cash. To target your contribution to a specific area of our program, request a copy of the want list. For details, contact us at info@Crew18.org

We have an ongoing need for

• consumables like AA and D cell alkaline batteries, specific food items, and medical supplies
• services, such as vehicle repair and maintenance, paging and cellular telephone service, radio repair and maintenance, discounts on supplies and equipment, etc.

6. Do you have any restrictions on what you'll accept?
To avoid wasting time and money, please contact us first so that your contribution can be assessed for appropriateness to our needs.

One specific requirement for equipment is that it be new, still in the original packaging, and still under manufacturer's warranty. For safety reasons, we can't accept "used" equipment because we can't be sure what condition it's in and whether it will perform properly in rescue situations when victims' and rescuer's lives are on the line.