WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — It's the season of giving, and many people are looking to lend a helping hand. But you want to make sure your money is put under the right tree.
Warner Robins restaurant Gregg's 2.0 is decked for the holidays, and you can get full with Christmas cheer — even during the holiday.
"I'd hate for anyone to be alone," owner Valarie Pace said," You've got the guys on the base that are sometimes away from their family, or they are stationed here and they don't know anybody, so we want to be here for them."
But there is also a need among the area's elderly, Pace said.
"Then we have the elderly who doesn't have their family around, and some of the time they might not be able to get out and we would like to take food to them," Pace said. "We will deliver."
For the second year, they're delivering and serving traditional Christmas meals, and trying to put plenty of gifts under the tree.
"You're going to come here to get the Christmas dinner. What goes with it? Toys do," she said.
They have a few presents under the tree but are still looking for donations.
"Any food donations, toy donations, and cash donations," Pace said.
They especially need toys for kids aged 10 to 15. It's all to provide people with a complete Christmas experience.
"There might be the family that can't really make it work this Christmas, but at least the kids will come in and they will enjoy it and they will want to come back next year," Pace said.
But there are more opportunities to give during the Christmas season. But not every holiday fundraiser is legit, Kevin Collins of the Better Business Bureau said.
"If you see a business that is collecting money going for a specific charity, ask how much is going to the charity," Collins said.
Collins says sometimes it's best to skip the middleman.
"Provide that money directly to the charity more of that money will get to them," Collins said.
You should also watch out for look-alike websites.
"Holidays our good nature comes out and we want to help our fellow man, but if you give to a charity that's not utilizing your money the way you want it used, you're not only hurting yourself, you're hurting the charity you actually want to support," he said.
"We want you to give, we just want you to give with your head, as well as your heart," Collins said.
Last, he says try to go through local churches and businesses you trust, like Greggs.
"It's all about giving back and taking care of our community of people," Pace said.
Collins also says be cautious and ask lots of questions before donating to holiday GoFundMe or other social media requests.
You can donate to Gregg's or get a meal on Christmas at their location at 312 South Armed Forces Blvd. You can also call 478-329-0638.