United Way January News

	United Way of Marion County
		ENEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL UNITED WAY

Dear Donors and Volunteers,

A message from Maureen Quinlan, President

On a recent family visit up north for the holiday season, I found myself in a favorite store of mine on New Year's Eve. On that day, the owner was having a "Let's Give 2009 the Boot" party. I thought that this was interesting, although obvious that she was feeling negative effects from the local economy.

This caused me to think - do I want to forget about this past year? Certainly it was one of the most challenging times for our community and for so many families.... but did those challenges bring out some new found strengths and opportunities for many of us? Read the President's full message



United Way of Marion County received initial funding requests for $3.1 million dollars from 41 local agencies servicing 65 programs.

Valerie Hendrix (left) from Wachovia Wells Fargo Company presents members of the Financial Stability Coalition a check for the Marion County Prosperity Campaign.

VITA Tax Preparation Service Begins

Starting January 19, United Way of Marion County will offer free income tax-preparation service to Marion County residents through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The VITA service is free and helps those who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) apply for them.

There will be several VITA sites located throughout Marion County. Each VITA site offers different hours of operation, including day, weeknight and weekend hours, making the service more convenient for those who work. All sites are wheelchair accessible. The sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS to prepare taxes using the VITA Program. All returns processed at VITA sites are e-filed so filers can receive their refund money quickly, normally in 10-12 days.

For VITA site locations and hours call the United Way at 352-732-9696

Download this flyer to promote this service to your employess and clients.



Did you know? United Way volunteers filed 211 returns last year saving families more than $38,000 in filing fees. Of the returns that we filed, 36 qualified for EITIC (Eearned Income Tax Credit), averaging $1,041.00 with a grand total of $37,464 dollars in claimed EITC money.

United Way Endowment Fund awards grants to local agencies

The Board of Directors of United Way of Marion County has awarded Endowment Fund grants totaling $107,161 to 13 local service programs. The goal of the Endowment Fund is to support health and social service needs through gifts from this special fund provided by planned giving assets, separate from the Annual Campaign. Click here for a list of agency recipients.

Thank you Loaned Executives

We gratefully acknowledge this year's Loaned Executive Class. From August to November, Loaned Executives work with United Way staff and volunteers on the Campaign Cabinet in raising money. A company will either "loan" one of their employees to United Way, or will sponsor the hiring of an individual for the program.

Our special thanks to the companies that supported this year's Loaned Executive program and to the Loaned Executives for their hard work and dedication to the campaign.

This week United Way's fund-raising total has reached 88% of our $2.3 million dollar goal.

SAVE THE DATE

Day of Caring "Countdown to Caring" Luncheon--Monday, January 25 @ Noon

Campaign Thank you--

Tuesday, February 2 @ 11:30am

2-1-1 Welcome Back Party--

Thursday, February 11 @10am

Day of Caring--Saturday, February 27

"An Evening in Manhattan"--United Way's Annual Meeting--Friday, March 26 @ 6pm

Click here for more information on tickets and times.

Success By 6 pajama drive a success!

Thanks to the coordination of the Early Learning Coalition, Success By 6 was able to collect 2,818 pajamas and 3,222 books that were distributed to children in need during the holidays. Children and teens residing in shelters and group homes received the items thanks to the generousity of the Marion County community.