Whether it’s the opening kickoff of football season, the first tip off of basketball season, the sound of the starter’s gun at a marathon race or that official first pitch that signifies spring is here and baseball season is upon us; we, as Americans have gotten use to the hoopla that goes along with beginnings.
Volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) season is no different, we work all year to review, revamp and polish our plans so each tax season we come out bigger, better and ready to help thousands in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Sure VITA tax season doesn’t officially start until January 20th, but just like in sports there is plenty to do behind the scenes in preparation for our season. Not only do sites need to be located and confirmed, but the cornerstone of the program, you the volunteer needs to be recruited and trained.
Training is coming up fast, so to get us all in the spirit of community service and to acknowledge the tremendous gift that each VITA volunteer gives to our community; we are hosting our second annual VITA Volunteer kickoff Saturday November, 21st at United Way offices.
The volunteer kickoff will give VITA volunteers a chance to meet UW staff, site coordinators and other volunteers who each year come together to give of themselves to help out their neighbors.
Last year VITA volunteers prepared over 8,000 tax returns, resulting in over $9.1 million dollars in federal refunds, of which $4.6 million was in earned income tax credits.
If you’d like to be part of something that allows you to learn a new skill while giving back to the community come join us on November 21st as we gear up for another tax season.
Click here to volunteer.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Late Autumn Days Are Upon Us
It is hard to believe that the calendar now reads November. You know that the late autumn days are upon us when the World Series is over and people start pulling sweaters and corduroy pants out of the closet.
As usual, the UWTSA office has been bustling with activity. Resource Development and our fabulous loaned executives have been working hard to make 2009 a successful campaign season.
A couple of weeks ago, the Young Leaders Society held a leadership lunch at Elle a Wine Country. We were lucky to have a very special guest at the lunch: former University of Arizona and NBA star Sean Elliott. Elliott talked to the YLS members about how important it is for young professionals to be active in their communities and also a positive role model for kids. He also discussed his philanthropic passions, answered questions about his time as a professional athlete and signed plenty of autographs.
Last Saturday was UWTSA’s annual University of Arizona tailgate party. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for homecoming weekend. Dozens of United Way staff members (and their families), board members, committee members and friends from the community enjoyed catching up, tossing around footballs and being part of the lively college atmosphere. Two University of Arizona students even got engaged on the street in the middle of the tailgate! The icing on the cake was Arizona’s 48-7 victory over the visiting Washington State Cougars. A BIG thank-you goes out to the United Way Inclusion Council for putting the tailgate party together. A BIG thank-you also goes out to our sponsors: Coca-Cola, El Charro Café and the Nimbus Brewing Company.
Yesterday, our Income Strategies team held a tax season kickoff for the UWTSA staff. This was no boring lecture about taxes and the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. They performed skits, danced to a wide variety of songs and even provided the audience with delicious chocolate chip cookies. The highlight of the presentation was the group’s rendition of the “Achy Breaky Heart” line dance. As you can see by the pictures, these wacky characters makes taxes fun.
As usual, the UWTSA office has been bustling with activity. Resource Development and our fabulous loaned executives have been working hard to make 2009 a successful campaign season.
A couple of weeks ago, the Young Leaders Society held a leadership lunch at Elle a Wine Country. We were lucky to have a very special guest at the lunch: former University of Arizona and NBA star Sean Elliott. Elliott talked to the YLS members about how important it is for young professionals to be active in their communities and also a positive role model for kids. He also discussed his philanthropic passions, answered questions about his time as a professional athlete and signed plenty of autographs.
Last Saturday was UWTSA’s annual University of Arizona tailgate party. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for homecoming weekend. Dozens of United Way staff members (and their families), board members, committee members and friends from the community enjoyed catching up, tossing around footballs and being part of the lively college atmosphere. Two University of Arizona students even got engaged on the street in the middle of the tailgate! The icing on the cake was Arizona’s 48-7 victory over the visiting Washington State Cougars. A BIG thank-you goes out to the United Way Inclusion Council for putting the tailgate party together. A BIG thank-you also goes out to our sponsors: Coca-Cola, El Charro Café and the Nimbus Brewing Company.
Yesterday, our Income Strategies team held a tax season kickoff for the UWTSA staff. This was no boring lecture about taxes and the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. They performed skits, danced to a wide variety of songs and even provided the audience with delicious chocolate chip cookies. The highlight of the presentation was the group’s rendition of the “Achy Breaky Heart” line dance. As you can see by the pictures, these wacky characters makes taxes fun.
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