Blog
Free Tax Assistance Available
Written by guest blogger and PR Intern Jani C.
“Taxes” is one of those words that come with a dark cloud like homework or deadline... If you are having a fun, happy conversation and then the word “taxes” is suddenly dropped, it might as well be raining in the room. But, there is a ray of sunshine coming from the taxes arena. VITA is a free tax program for families in our community that have an income less than $50,000 to get their taxes prepared for free.
Not only do they prepare your taxes for free, but they also look for refunds and credits you might qualify for! Remember that tiny ray of sunshine, it is now turning in to a full on sunny day at the beach! Last year, the VITA efforts were so successful that $6,594,029 was brought back into Utah, Summit and Wasatch County families’ pockets. To put that number into perspective, that is equivalent to the population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This is an incredible opportunity and hopefully this year VITA can bring even more refunds back into our community to families that need it. Go to http://www.unitedwayuc.org to see if you qualify for this opportunity.
Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off
Written by Lisa
Yesterday, I hope you celebrated by serving or at least thought about Martin Luther King Jr.! Many people get the day off of work or school, so the community comes together to provide service. Nearly 1,000 people came out and served on what seemed to be the coldest day we’ve experienced this winter. It was exciting to see people there before registration time, eager to sign up and participate.
I love the feeling that exists during these large service projects. People are just generally happier after giving 3 hours of their sleep or vacation up to make life easier and happier for someone in need. Projects during the day included assembling and making mentoring family packs, art projects with adults with special needs, visiting seniors, organizing and cleaning different facilities including the South Franklin Community Center, Kids on the Move, and the Orem Library, making quilts, writing letters to soldiers, and making toys for HeadStart Preschools. If you weren’t able to make it this year, make sure to come out next year on MLK Day!