Town Recruits VITA Volunteers

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray announced that the town is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Now entering its 33rd year, the VITA Program is sponsored by the Town of Hempstead's Department of Senior Enrichment under the auspices of the Internal Revenue Service. Through the VITA program, volunteers are trained and then assigned to town senior centers and local libraries to assist seniors in the preparation of their federal and state income tax returns.

"To ensure that the program enjoys the success that it has in the past, we are currently seeking additional volunteers who wish to offer their time during the upcoming tax season," said Murray. "Over the past 32 years invaluable aid has been proffered to seniors who have taken advantage of this free service."

"Thousands of seniors utilize this innovative program each year to obtain the maximum allowable refund when filing their tax returns," stated Hempstead Town Councilman Jim Darcy. "This is another invaluable service provided to our senior residents through the town's Department of Senior Enrichment."

Volunteers need not have a professional background or any previous experience in order to assist. The only requirements for volunteering are a willingness to work with people and numbers, and availability for at least 3 daytime hours per week during the 10-week program (February, March and part of April 2008). IRS-trained instructors will hold a multi-day training program beginning January 14, 2008 to educate volunteers in the latest tax law changes.

"Volunteering in this program can be a very rewarding experience," concluded Murray. "I urge those who are able to dedicate the time during the upcoming tax season to consider joining this outstanding group of volunteers and become a VITA volunteer."

Those interested in volunteering should contact the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100, extension 273.