Hempstead 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 38^th 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 town seniors and residents with limited incomes in the preparation of their federal and state income tax returns.

"To ensure that the program enjoys continued success, we are currently seeking additional volunteers who wish to offer their time during the upcoming tax season,” said Murray. “Over the past 37 years, thousands of senior residents have taken advantage of this free program to obtain the maximum allowable refund when filing their tax returns.”

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 2013).  Once trained, volunteers will be assigned to local libraries and senior centers.

IRS-trained instructors will train volunteers at the Department of Senior Enrichment, located at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead beginning November 5, 2012. Saturday training sessions will be conducted on January 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2013 at the Oceanside Public Library located at 30 Davison Avenue in Oceanside.

“Volunteering in this program can be a truly 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 274.