Regarding the Firefighters Association,  It is a legitimate fund as I have donated for years and got a tax receipt.

Problem with these donations is they are a scam, the firefighters only get 10% of the money and they hire these firms who then put your name on a hundred other call lists. If you donate, thinking what a good person you are, then in the following weeks not only will you get more calls from the 'firefighters association' asking you to donate again, but you'll start getting weekely or daily calls from other similiar sounding charities like the policeman's association and the firecheifs association asking for money.believe me your best best is to put a call blocking service on your phone, block everything unless its your mom, kids or someone in your immediate family. EVERYTHING else is a scam.