Volunteers make a difference

Although it is only October, it’s that time of the year when we begin planning for the upcoming tax season. The Greater LA Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign Partnership is getting a jumpstart on the season—the group has already started recruiting and training volunteers. Last year proved to be the most productive in the history of the Campaign. With United Way of Greater LA at the helm, the Campaign is evolving into a community-mobilizing machine. There are currently about 20 community volunteers enrolled in H&R Block’s tax course – thanks to scholarships made available with support from the LA County Board of Supervisors. The expertise these volunteers are gaining will undoubtedly increase the number of income tax returns completed without filing errors. Additional training classes will be offered through the partnership beginning in November.

Driven by committed community volunteers and local social service providers, the EITC Campaign helps families keep more of the money they earn by saving them hundreds of dollars in outrageous, and frivolous fees.

If you, or anyone you know is interested in being a volunteer at a free income tax preparation site, please visit www.greaterlaeitc.org and register. Training is FREE! There is no better way to give back to your community during tax time. Make a difference and sign up.

As a member of the EITC Campaign’s Steering Committee, Idealistics is committed to increasing awareness of the free services available to the community. This is a worthwhile cause working to elevate children and families out of poverty. Our social mission requires we align ourselves with initiatives that make a visible difference. The current state of the economy only depicts how urgent it is to do something tangible to offset the financial hardships families are facing.

The Steering Committee is made up of the following organizations: Citi, the Office of State Controller John Chiang, LA County Department of Public and Social Services, United Way of Greater LA, the LA County Children’s Planning Council, LA County 211, Internal Revenue Service, AARP, and LA City Community Development Department.