u/AngelaMotorman

So I did the obvious thing that nobody ever does anymore: called the national HQ and asked about the questions raised by this post. Turns out, this was indeed a legit team of paid fundraisers who are currently touring the state, which is why you won't see them every day. They can only take commitments for long-term support because the org does not want the responsibility/liability of taking cash, plus those sustaining gifts are what actually builds an organization.

WRT permit/no permit: Columbus only requires a "Right of Way" permit if you intend to set up a table or other structure, or to impede pedestrian traffic, or to actually step into the roadway while soliciting donations.

So there's your answer, u/Tumbleweed-Antique. Thanks for asking!