Thursday, February 25, 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Here's what our VITA volunteers are saying!

Nick A. said...
I am currently an Accounting major at LeTourneau University. I was able to hear about VITA through some of my fellow accounting students and through notices in a number of my business classes. This is my first year as a VITA member and before I started I didnt quite know what to expect. The only thing that I knew is that I would be preparing the tax returns of people around the community. Originally, I mainly decided to become a VITA member because I felt that this experience would look good as a resume item for potential future jobs. However, I did not realize that I would be gaining so much more. I know that I am only helping people with their taxes, but overall this has been a very satisfying and fulfilling service for me as I didn't realize how much I was helping people in the community. Some people are just so grateful for our work and after you finish a return it makes you feel amazing knowing that you helped that person out. For example the first day I went to volunteer I was really nervous because as I mentioned I didnt know what to expect. I was nervous that I might mess up someone's taxes or that I wouldn't be able to do the tax return right and that people would get angry at me. My first clients were a younger couple who walked in with their little baby girl. As I began to do their taxes I started conversing with them and they were both very friendly. We began talking about their new baby girl and I just completely forgot all the nerves and fear I had going into my first day. I just followed the steps that you are taught in the VITA training classes and everything turned out fine. The couple ended up getting a pretty significant refund on their taxes and they were both just ecstatic and they even gave me a hug or two. They were very grateful and just thanked me multiple times for helping them out. It was an amazing experience and it was just so gratifying to know that I had helped them out just by doing their taxes. I encourage everyone to become a VITA member whether you are an accountant or not. There are a number of people that I have met who are just doing it because they want to give back to the community. It is easy, it is fun, and it is just a great and satisfying experience.

February 19, 2010 1:47 PM

Friday, February 5, 2010

Welcome!

Greater Longview United Way (GLUW) wants to hear from YOU! Please share with us your experiences volunteering or contributing to GLUW.