Unclaimed property: Lost, found and then donated

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced Wednesday a new program allowing Missourians to donate unclaimed property to charity.

State law requires agencies to turn over assets to Zweifel when a customer, client, or owner has no documented transactions or contact for five or more years.

Zweifel said he holds more than $810 million in unclaimed property belonging to 4.7 million account owners.

The new program allows Missourians to claim and donate their unclaimed property entirely online.

Missourians can choose from 20 different charitable organizations, and can donate as much or as little as they want.

"These charities provide invaluable services to the people of Missouri and now, with this program, we have created a simple way to give back to citizens in our state," Zweifel said.

He said the program was created in response to requests from constituents.

"My team and I are focused on creating innovative ways to serve the needs and wishes of Missourians, and this program is an example of that," Zweifel said. "I am proud of the good it can do for our communities at no cost to taxpayers."

The American Red Cross is one of the 20 charities partnering with the treasurer's office. Dave Griffith, executive director of the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter, said the new unclaimed property program is a "win-win for Missouri, and for the charities, as well."

"We rely upon donations to fulfill our mission," he said. "The more agencies we can partner with, the more effective we can be."

The 20 charitable organizations are: After-School Retreat Reading and Assessment Grant Program Fund, American Cancer Society Heartland Division Inc., American Diabetes Association Gateway Area, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of Missouri, American Red Cross, ALS Association, Arthritis Foundation, Childhood Lead Testing Fund, Children's Trust Fund, CureSearch for Children's Cancer, Foster Care and Adoptive Parents Recruitment and Retention Fund, March of Dimes, Missouri Military Family Relief Fund, Missouri National Guard Trust, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Organ Donor Program Fund, Veterans Trust Fund and Workers' Memorial Fund.

According to Zweifel, the Mid-Missouri region has $27.8 million of unclaimed property in more than 316,000 accounts.

You can check for unclaimed property at www.showmemoney.com.