Volunteer- become an elf

From Idealist.org

You can bring joy to a lonely senior and have a great time!

Become an Elf!
During December, volunteer elves from Visiting Neighbors will visit and distribute gifts to hundreds of homebound, isolated and lonely seniors to brighten their holiday season. For many of these seniors, these will be the only visits and gifts they receive.

- You can help wrap gifts.
( bring wrapping paper, scissors
and tape if you can)
- You can help deliver gifts.
- You can donate gift items (must be
new).

Wrapping nights start at 5:30 PM (at VN)
Tuesday, December 1st and Wednesday, December 2nd
Gift delivery starts Friday, December 4th (call first)

Come alone or bring friends.
Groups are welcome.
For information contact Howie Square:(212) 260-6200

How to Apply:

Howie Square
www.VisitingNeighbors.org
(212) 260-6200
Fax (212) 260-2962
611 Broadway Suite 510
New York, NY 10012

Tax season coming up

WHAT ARE VITA SITES?

At Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, certified volunteers are trained to prepare basic federal and state tax returns for free and help qualifying low- and moderate-income New Yorkers claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and New York City Child Care Tax Credit. These VITAs not only offer free tax preparation services but they ensure that low-income tax filers are not marketed unnecessary predatory products or loans and make sure that filers maximize the value of their returns.

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR OFE AT A VITA SITE?

Make a difference in the lives of low-income New Yorkers while networking and gaining marketable job skills.

WHY IS TAX TIME SO IMPORTANT AND WHO DO VOLUNTEERS HELP?

Low-income families that receive a tax refund can get as much as $6,512. This lump sum is often the largest check they will receive all year. Additionally, VITA sites help to connect low-income filers to a variety of financial services in their community by facilitating ideas for savings programs, offering start up bank accounts and providing counseling.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER TO BE A TAX PREPARER?

Anyone can volunteer to work at a VITA site once they have completed training, including an IRS-certified online training and exam; and a day-long classroom session at OFE’s Tax Time Training University.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? WHERE ARE THE VITA SITES LOCATED? The 2010 tax season is from January through April. OFE asks volunteers to commit at least 4 hours weekly, for a minimum of 6 weeks during the tax season. VITA sites are usually located throughout the five boroughs of New York City, especially in neighborhoods with very few tax preparation options.

REQUIREMENTS:

Complete IRS-certified online training – between 12-14 hours. Pass an online IRS-certification exam. Attend a classroom training session at OFE’s Training University.

TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/ofe/html/about/volunteer.shtml

Summer Book Buddy

Summer is fast approaching and for some teens there is not much to do.
Why not Volunteer for:

Summer Book Buddy
	Learn new skills and be a role model for other kids If you're a teen volunteer (ages 12-18), you can help librarians read aloud to children and assist with all kinds of cool youth programs. Responsibilities Read aloud to children. Assist staff in the administration of the popular Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program. Assist staff in planning, conducting, and evaluating children's programs like arts and crafts, drawing and painting, puzzles and games. Enter registration information for the Library's Summer Reading participants. Requirements 12-18 years old. Consent portion of Volunteer Application signed by parent or guardian before starting the assignment. A friendly manner and a strong commitment to working with children. Book Buddies are asked to make a minimum commitment of volunteering 2-3 hours a day, 2-3 days a week for at least 3 weeks during the summer. How to Apply 1. Go to your local library and request a Summer Book Buddy application. 2. Contact 718-230-2406 or e-mail at volunteer@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.