Nearly 1,100 returns were filed by VITA preparers this year, thanks to the dedicated efforts of program volunteers.  In addition, qualified taxpayers receive assistance in filing for earned income tax credits and other tax savings.

Click here to view photos of the event.

• Ambassador’s Award - Carolyn Pierce / Regions Bank
• Director’s Award – Adult Literacy Council
• Campaigning Towards Potential Award - US Bank
• Way to Grow Award – Hemlock Semiconductor
• Inspire Award - CMCSS Operations

Numerous volunteers were also recognized for their service and leadership to United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.  New members and officers were elected to the Board of Directors during the business meeting.  

Click the following links for additional coverage and photos:  The Leaf Chronicle and ClarksvilleNow.com 

Highlighted each year is the presentation of campaign awards, including the esteemed Ben C. Parks Award.  Established in 1990 to honor the memory of Mr. Parks, a dedicated United Way supporter, this award recognizes a company or business that has conducted the best overall workplace campaign.  The recipient is selected by volunteers serving on the campaign cabinet and is based on a wide variety of criteria.  Considerations for the award include percentage of employee giving potential achieved, an increase in giving over the last year and the number of leadership donors within the organization.  

Numerous other awards honoring outstanding achievements of businesses, agencies and volunteers will also be presented during the annual meeting, including the Ambassador’s Award which recognizes a local business leader; the Director’s Award which is bestowed upon an exemplary partner agency; and the Campaigning to Potential Award that acknowledges business employees who achieved notable percentages of giving as determined by their payroll potential.  Additionally, the “Above and Beyond Award” is presented to an extraordinary campaign volunteer(s) and the “Inspire” Award distinguishes a company whose campaign best inspires giving.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  To make a reservation, please contact United Way at 931-647-4291 by March 6, 2012.  Tickets are $30 per person and table sponsorships are available for $250 per table.  Table sponsorships include reserved seating for eight guests, publicity promotion and recognition at the event. 

I.R.S. certified tax preparers help filers receive the full amount of their tax refunds and tax advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit as well as other tax credit opportunities. This FREE service is available to those with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.

The V.I.T.A program will be located at First Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 301 Fairview Lane (off Trenton Road in Clarksville), on Mondays and Fridays from 9am – 5pm; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-7pm and on Saturdays from 10am-4pm.  Tax preparers will not be at the site on Saturday, February 4th.

A self preparation assistance site will be available at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library each Thursday (9 am-4 pm) and Saturday (10 am-4 pm).  Taxpayers may file their own taxes online at this site with the assistance of a certified preparer if needed.

The program is also seeking additional volunteers as site greeters.  No experience or training is required.  For more information about tax prepartation or to volunteer, please contact 931-648-1000 or 931-647-4291.

It’s Your Money.  You’ve Earned It.   The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program can help you KEEP IT!  Offered through a partnership between United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and Clarksille Regional Alliance for Financial Independence, V.I.T.A will provide FREE tax preparation and financial advice for low to moderate income taxpayers February 2-April 14, 2012.  The program also helps working families receive the full amount of their tax refunds and begin to create savings by taking advantage of tax credit opportunities. 

Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less qualify for the program.   Other situations may also allow eligibilty.  Anyone who may need assistance is encouraged to contact the program for more information about eligibilty.

The Montgomery County VITA site will be located at First Missionary Baptist Church off Trenton Road.  Houston and Stewart County VITA services will be provided at the public library in each county.

Those receiving free tax assitance through VITA should bring the following information to the session.  Most spouses must be present if filing jointly.

• Proof of identity (preferably a picture ID)
• All W-2, 1098 or 1099 forms
• Social Security Card or Tax ID Number Card for all individuals listed on return
• Voided bank check or savings deposit slip (for direct deposit to receive funds in 1-10 days)
• Both spouses must be present if filing jointly
• Documentation of other income
• Childcare providers’ ID number
• Verification of estimated tax payments made

For additional information, please contact (931) 648-1000. 

Raise Your Hand Tennessee is a statewide effort to read, tutor and mentor to children.  Anyone with passion and commitment can help youth succeed in school and life.

Please watch this video to learn more about how YOU can help!

Contact your local United Way office to find out how you can participate:  United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region is located at 529 N. Second Street, Clarksville, TN 37043.  Our phone number is 931.647.4291.

(Please print a copy of the transaction for your records.)

This year’s toy drives were sponsored by AT&T Tennessee and Beaver 100.3 FM, and an entire van load of additional toys were received from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  Clarksville Sunrise Rotary Club contributed $1,000 which was combined with other donations to purchase new toys.   

Families receiving toys were also able to select warm outerwear collected through the United Way/Leadership Clarksville Warm Hearts and Warm Souls Coat Drive.