2-1-1: Tossing Henderson County a Life-Line
Every dollar counts in family and individual budgets in these economic hard times, yet nearly 20 percent of North Carolina’s low-income workers are leaving money on the table during tax time because they do not file for the NC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The EITC is a refundable credit offered to low-income wage earners to offset their taxes by both the federal government and the state of North Carolina. The five percent refundable state credit would give a working couple, making $21,000 per year an average refund of about $120. An additional $120 could allow a family to pay a power bill to keep the heat on or buy groceries.
Often families are not aware of this credit and they cannot afford to have their taxes prepared by someone who would know.
More than 100 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are available across North Carolina. At a VITA site, trained volunteers help eligible people prepare and file their taxes for free. By simply dialing United Way’s 2-1-1, people can locate the VITA site in their local community.
When you dial 2-1-1, trained specialists will help locate the VITA site in Henderson County as well as other programs that may be able to assist you or your family. The 2-1-1 service is free, confidential and available 24-hours a day in any language.
Don’t leave money on the table when you could put it to work for you or your family. Learn more at www.nc211.org.
| United Way Wraps Up 2011 Campaign |
United Way of Henderson County celebrated the 2011 Campaign at its Wrap-Up and Annual meeting on January 13, 2011. The event, held at and sponsored by Lake Pointe Landing, was attended by over 160 volunteers, business representatives and community members. With pledges to date, along with projected donations, the 2011 Campaign should finish at approximately 95% of goal, and just over the 2010 Campaign total. Community volunteer Bryce Malsbary, who chaired the 2011 Campaign, applauded the successful effort. “In light of the continuing economic struggles that businesses and individuals in our area are facing, I am very pleased to have accomplished what we did this year. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where people remain generous when times are toughest.” Malsbary added that United Way has received donations from 531 brand-new donors this year. Expanding their donor base and encouraging more households to contribute to the campaign was one of United Way’s targeted goals this year. “I think that if we can continue to spread the word about the significant needs in the community and the incredible work that our partner agencies are doing to meet those needs, we will continue to see new donors joining us in the future,” Malsbary said. Ruth Birge, Executive Director of United Way, noted that the 2011 Campaign does not officially close until March 31. “We are proud to celebrate our accomplishments today,” said Birge, “But we will continue to reach out to this community to try to achieve our goal before the end of the campaign. The services provided by our partner agencies are absolutely vital to this community, and it’s our responsibility to do everything that we can to support their work.” United Way’s Director of Resource Development, Pam Daubert, gave credit to United Way’s volunteers for the impressive accomplishments of the 2011 Campaign. “We are fortunate to have a diverse, motivated and dedicated team of volunteers who devote hours of their time to United Way as Campaign Cabinet members, Loaned Executives, and Campaign Coordinators. We are so grateful for their commitment; without their dedication we would not see this level of success in our fundraising efforts.” To recognize the tremendous contributions of time, dollars, and volunteerism, United Way presented campaign achievement awards at today’s event. This year’s winners include:
The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award for 2011 was presented to Todd Webb, CPA by Charlie Cranford of Morrow Insurance. The award recognizes a Henderson County resident who supports the United Way of Henderson County, works with other local not-profit organizations, and who best exemplifies the community leadership and generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. 2011 Board Chair, Jerry Maier said, “Todd is a consummate volunteer. He is a professional who owns a business, employs 10 people, has a wonderful family, and sits on the board of many nonprofit organizations. He chaired the Boards at Children & Family Resource Center, Hands On! and Pardee Hospital Foundation. We welcome Todd back to the United Way Board in 2012.”
United Way is advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life in Henderson County. If you would like more information or have questions or comments about United Way, or would like to make a donation, contact the United Way of Henderson County at PO Box 487, Hendersonville, NC 28793, call 692-1636, visit on the Web at liveunitedhc.org, or become a fan of UWHC on Facebook. -END- |
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