OLIVIA GARCIA: Nonprofit offers free tax help for eligible residents
| Monday, Feb 06 2012 07:10 AM
Last Updated Monday, Feb 06 2012 07:10 AM
INCOME TAX: Tax season has arrived, and if you are still trying to make sense of the new rules or what information you need to file your return, there's help -- free help, especially if you make less than $50,000 a year. The nonprofit Mexican American Opportunity Foundation is currently scheduling appointments for individuals or families to process their tax returns at no charge. The free service is available only to those of low to moderate incomes, said Magda Menendez, MAOF administrator. The nonprofit is able to offer this service through its involvement with the Kern VITA Partnership, a coalition led by United Way of Kern County.
Menendez said many families and individuals qualify for the free tax preparation service but end up paying money to have someone process the returns.
"That's why it's important that we get the word out to let the public know that these services are available," Menendez said.
MAOF offers experienced tax preparers who can provide e-file and direct deposit services as well. For appointments or more information, please call 661-336-6966 or toll free 1-855-477-4221. Tax season ends mid-April.
SAL YOUTH: A cause dear to my heart is the Kern County Sheriff's Activities League youth program. Here, deputies have the opportunity to work with and mentor local youth using various academic and athletic programs. Law enforcement officers, business supporters, and families gathered recently to recognize the people who make a huge difference at local SAL sites.
The honorees are as follows:
East Bakersfield SAL: Outstanding Boy of the Year - Alan Lopez; Outstanding Girl of the Year - Juliana Martinez; Sponsor of the Year - Central Valley Occupational Medicine; and Volunteer of the Year - Joey Ramirez.
Lamont SAL: Outstanding Boy of the Year - Harold Gutierrez; Outstanding Girl of the Year - Mercedes Flores; Sponsor of the Year - Glen Pierce - Gotta Go Bail Bonds; and Volunteer of the Year - Roxan Joyner
Wasco SAL: Outstanding Boy of the Year - Bryan Perez; Outstanding Girl of the Year - Guadalupe Gonzalez; Sponsor of the Year - Fidel Alfaro; and Volunteer of the Year - Wendy Benson.
Kern Valley SAL: Outstanding Boy of the Year - Dustin Avila; Outstanding Girl of the Year - Destiny Peaker; Sponsor of the Year - Wendy Dohner, B&B BBQ; and Volunteer of the Year - Pat Elliott & Joanne Fitting.
In addition, Bob Barrera was also honored as the SAL Board Director of the Year for his support and participation in SAL fundraising events.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS: I'd like to give a shout-out to the kind woman who found my debit card in the Kern Schools Federal Credit Union ATM drive-through machine Thursday around noon. I was in such a hurry and juggling too many things in my head, that after I got my cash, I just drove off. I didn't realize until I was on the other side of town that I did not have my card. In panic, I called a good friend who was closer to the downtown location than I was. Turns out, a woman, who apparently was in line behind me, saw that I drove off without it and took the card to the Chester Avenue branch. I returned to the branch, ID in hand, and got my card back.
It's acts of kindness such as this one that remind me how fortunate we are to live among genuine, caring residents. We may not be Los Angeles or Las Vegas, but we are better in other ways.
And I don't know who you are, Good Samaritan, but thank you, thank you. I hope to pass on the favor.
These are the opinions of Olivia Garcia, not necessarily The Bakersfield Californian. Email her at ogarcia@bakersfield.com
