AP Wire | 04/09/2006 | Charities battle to stay alive on state tax forms

AP Wire | 04/09/2006 | Charities battle to stay alive on state tax forms: "Charities battle to stay alive on state tax forms
ANN SANNER
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - People devoted to fighting multiple sclerosis are sending out letters, posting notices online and contacting accountants to spread the word that taxpayers can donate money to MS by checking a box on Illinois income tax forms.

If the cause gets less than $100,000 in donations, it will be dropped from the next tax form - a very real possibility. Taxpayers donated only $127,000 last year, and this time MS is competing with a record-high number of causes seeking taxpayer support.

All 17 of the charities are trying to reach the $100,000 threshold and remain in the checkoff program."