FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2011
CONTACT: Jody Bender, Community Relations Director jbender@loaves-fishes.org 630-355-3663, ext. 111
LOAVES & FISHES HONORED FOR VITA PROGRAM Loaves & Fishes was recently honored by the Internal Revenue Service for its inaugural year of offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). The IRS Wage & Investment Commissioner, Richard Byrd, Jr., of Atlanta, GA, recently visited Loaves & Fishes to commend the organization’s performance as a first-time site. Byrd was accompanied by Harry Fitzsimmons and Mazie Williams of the IRS’s Chicago office. Loaves & Fishes received an award recognizing Dedication, Commitment and Service to the American Taxpayer. The average new site files about 30 returns in its first year. The Loaves & Fishes VITA program, which ran from February through mid-April, prepared income tax returns for 157 households, who received more than $198,000 in refunds. “At Loaves & Fishes we believe and have seen clear evidence that VITA is VITAL to the financial health of our community, and communities like ours across the United States,” said Executive Director Charles McLimans. “VITA is the perfect model of how successful public-private partnerships can and should work efficiently and effectively to benefit low income families and individuals.” VITA launched the Pathways to Empowerment initiatives series when Loaves & Fishes moved to its new facility in February. Byrd discussed changes to the VITA program for the 2011 tax year as he met with McLimans; Program Director Jane Macdonald; and volunteer site supervisor and Tom Wcisel. He emphasized process points that promote honesty and accuracy in preparing tax returns for low-income clients, and acknowledged the need for educating our clients about tax incentives and payments. Byrd encouraged Loaves & Fishes to expand its program as much as possible, and offered information on support services provided by the IRS. Loaves & Fishes plans to expand its VITA schedule to meet the projected demand. Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry is ending hunger in our community by providing grocery services and offering on-site programs addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Programs offered include reading and language fluency, financial literacy, computer and job skills, benefits enrollment assistance, career counseling, health and nutrition programs, and mental health screenings. Supported by the generosity of our community, Loaves & Fishes is located at 1871 High Grove Lane in Naperville. Individuals interested in getting food or connecting to programs, volunteering, or making a donation can visit the website at www.loaves-fishes.org or call (630)355-3663. Photo Caption: (From left) Loaves & Fishes VITA site supervisor Tom Wcisel, Executive Director Charles McLimans, IRS Wage & Investment Commissioner Richard Byrd, Jr., IRS staff member Mazie Williams, L&F Program Director Jane Macdonald, and Development Director Melvin Kim. The IRS honored Loaves & Fishes for its VITA performance.