Studies prove that retired individuals who are active in their communities lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Volunteer services for individuals who are retired and over the age of 55 are available through United Way’s RSVP program.
Use your time and talents to serve a non-profit agency, volunteer at a community event like the Fourth of July Fireworks or occasionally help youth during an art festival. These are just some of the hundreds of ways you can get involved.
United Way RSVP volunteers receive benefits such as paid mileage, insurance, and meals. We hold social events where you can meet others who have a passion for helping as much as you do.
Call 989.893.7508 ext. 17, for Cindy Miller, Volunteer Services Director, RSVP.
FREE Tax Filing Program Needs VOLUNTEERS
Each year, hundreds of people in our community go without filing their taxes due to tough economic times. Hundreds of others file their taxes improperly because they cannot afford to pay someone trained to do so. In fact, there are 16,355 residents who have a disability and 12,911 who live in poverty in Bay County. The United Way provides a FREE tax program for any senior, low income (below $43,000 annually), or disabled individual in Bay County. Last year alone, efforts returned over $2.2 million in refunds and credits to our community.
United Way of Bay County will be offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) again this year for low-income individuals and families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. In order to do so, many volunteers are needed as last year 1,670 Bay County residents utilized this program and it is projected that the numbers will increase for the 2010 tax filing season. The program will run February 7 through April 15. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, please contact Cindy at 989.893.7508 x. 17.
TUESDAY TOOLMEN!
Is your home in need of repairs? You may qualify for United Way of Bay County’s Tuesday Toolmen program, which offers FREE minor home maintenance to low income households.
YOU purchase the materials; WE provide the labor!
For more information or to find out if you qualify call:893-7508 ext. 17
Plumbing:
• faucet leaks or replacement
• drains, toilet leaks or replacements
Electrical:
• plugs, switches, lights, bulbs
• fans and doorbells
Miscellaneous repairs:
• doors, locks
• dryer vents, filters
• porch railings and minor repairs
Tuesday Toolmen- minor home repair program
The goal of this program is to help individuals in Bay County remain as independent and self sufficient as possible, keeping them in their homes longer and helping them with minor home repairs and maintenance they are no longer able to do. This is a program to help fill gaps in services throughout Bay County.
The T.T. volunteers have helped Bay County residents from 45 different households this year through mid September 2011.
United Way’s Vegetable garden is located behind the Bay County Public School Academy on State St. in Bay City. The head gardener is Jim Mader, an RSVP volunteer through our United Way of Bay County. The garden is maintained by local volunteers who plant, pull weeds, and pick the produce. Produce that is harvested is picked up and delivered by Hidden Harvest to local food pantries and programs serving low income families in Bay County. This year we will harvest over 7,000 pounds of fresh produce. If you are interested in volunteering next year please contact Cindy at 893-7508x17.
Creative Quilters, knitters, and crochet groups
The Creative quilters meet every Monday at the Center Plaza on Center Ave. in Essexville from 12:30-4pm. The quilters have made an average of 300 quilts per year for various non profits in Bay County.