United Way + Us = Cool Stuff
I had the privilege to attend a banquet for the volunteers that participated in the Snohomish County United Way Free Tax sites. As many of you know our church, South Everett Foursquare, was one of the three host sites. We got to hear some great news like $2,073,130 (that’s million) was refunded back to families in our community with an average adjusted gross income of $22,375. At our tax site specifically $705,504 was refunded to 494 of our neighbors as well as $265,208 in Earned Income Tax Credit (I am told that is big. I don’t really understand all the numbers
The more interesting non-stats were the stories of lives being changed in other ways. These are some hard core volunteers that showed up daily to not only help with taxes but encounter the harsh realities of our community. They spent time with a lady dealing with domestic violence to get her help. They listen to numerous families on the verge of foreclosure. They played with kids while the parents cried over not having enough resources to get through the week. Real people real stories.
I personally thanked those that volunteered at our site for being such great representatives of South Everett Foursquare and the Snohomish United Way. For over 20 hours a week they were there and were truly great. Some would say that we have more non church happening at our building than church related activities. I want to thank you for seeing that our community is our church (no matter if they show up on Sunday or not) and our doors and our arms are open to welcome all to come.
On a completely funny, as in a 3 seconds of fame, note. South Everett Foursquare got mentioned numerous times throughout the ceremony. The first time being the most pronounced. We got thanked as a sponsor and South Everett Foursquare was mentioned in the same breath as Boeing and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I guess that means we are running with the big dogs now.
Seattle King 5(NBC) January 26 news feature: (our church in the video)
Seattle King 5(NBC) February 24 news feature: (our church in the video
The Earned Income Tax Credit is the largest single income re-distribution program of the US Federal government. It can make the difference of surviving or not surviving for thousands of working families. Every year, there are many eligible families who don’t claim the credit, and miss out on this substantial refund. Congratulations on such a successful tax season, and thank you for investing in your community as a free tax preparation site! You’re right….open doors and practical help are an important part of being the church.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
da best. Keep it going! Thank you