August 12, 2024 – Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that over $21,000 in unclaimed property gift cards will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA, Special Olympics Pennsylvania and the Veterans Multi-Service Center.
“We are constantly working to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners, but there are some cases – like the gift cards we are donating today – where that is simply impossible. I couldn’t be happier that we are turning this into something positive by making these donations to three wonderful nonprofits. Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Veterans Multi-Service Center all make a huge impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians every day. These organizations have touched countless lives, and I am honored to support their missions and the people they serve.”
Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania
The total amount of the gift cards is $21,662.42 and will be donated to the organizations as follows:
- Ronald McDonald House of Central PA: $7,281.48
- Special Olympics Pennsylvania: $7,200.00
- Veterans Multiservice Center: $7,180.94
Karla Mitchell, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Central PA, and Josh Burke, Regional Director of the Special Olympics Capital Area Region, accepted the gift cards during a press conference at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey. Since the Veterans Multi-Service Center was unable to attend the press conference, the gift cards will be presented separately.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA is extremely grateful to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for this generous donation of gift cards. Gift cards allow our organization to purchase what we need, when we need it, for the families we serve at RMHC-CP, greatly reducing any issues with storage or potential expiration dates. We are pleased to be one of the organizations selected for this unique form of support.”
Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA (RMHC-CP) Karla Mitchell
“We are so grateful to Treasurer Garrity and her team not only for this amazing gift card donation, but for their partnership and commitment to making the world a more inclusive place for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Pennsylvania serves more than 15,000 athletes across the state and all of our sports, health and leadership programs are free. Donations like this help us cover the costs of travel, equipment and more.”
Regional Executive Director, Capital Area Region, Special Olympics Pennsylvania Josh Burke
“On behalf of the Veterans Multi-Service Center, I would like to thank Treasurer Garrity for this generous donation of $7,000 in gift cards. This support will greatly enhance our ability to provide critical services and resources to veterans in need. Treasurer Garrity’s commitment to our veterans is an example of true leadership and compassion, and we are grateful for her continued partnership in serving those who have served our country.”
Executive Director, Veterans Multi-Service Center Joe Brooks
The 53 Target, Visa and MasterCard gift cards were reported to the IRS as unclaimed property by the Abington Township Police Department in Montgomery County and the West Manchester Township Police Department in York County.
The unclaimed property was reported to the Treasury Department following two separate investigations involving gift cards likely purchased with fraudulently obtained credit cards. Those investigations resulted in three arrests. In these scams, perpetrators typically obtain compromised credit card numbers and use them to purchase gift cards, thereby “laundering” the funds.
Since the cards were reported to the Treasury without any information about the rightful owners, they will be donated to nonprofit organizations. The Treasury has made similar donations several times in the past, including in 2019 and 2017.
“I would like to thank the Abington and West Manchester Township Police Departments for their great work in solving these crimes and for reporting the gift cards to the IRS as required by law. Earlier this year, as part of our ongoing education efforts, we hosted a webinar for police departments to ensure that all owners of unclaimed property understand their responsibility to turn it over to the IRS at the appropriate time.”
Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania
