The Better Business Bureaus of Minnesota and North Dakota, have issued an alert on a company called Vision Packaging. The company is registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State and goes door to door to collect money to make up care packages to send to overseas troops. This group is not a charity. They are a for-profit business.  The BBB is concerned because they do not know what percentage of money goes to the troops versus operations and salaries. The BBB also has made a connection between Vision Packaging and Patriot Packaging Sales, which was a St. Paul company in 2015 before ceasing operations.

The BBB has determined that at least one representative of Patriot Packaging Sales is now working for Vision Packaging.

According to the BBB press release, in May 2015, Patriot Packaging Sales LLC was the subject of media reports in Sioux Falls, S.D., stating they were soliciting donations in that area without a permit, which was illegal. In one news article, a company representative said they had raised $16,000 from area residents, claiming that 20 percent of that would go to sales representatives. When asked, the company representative said that the company had already sent 900 care packages to troops overseas, but didn't provide the media outlet with any proof of that. Later in 2015, BBB noted the company's website was shuttered.

Consumers should always ask door-to-door salespeople if they have a solicitor's license (if such a license is necessary in their city) and make sure they are clear on what percentage of sales proceeds go to help the group or individuals the business or organization says it supports. Consumers should also be aware that purchases from and donations to for-profit entities are not tax-deductible.

You can contact the BBB at bbb.org or call (800) 646-6222.

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