The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national initiative of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that offers FREE tax help to low- to moderate-income ($49,000 and below for 2011) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. IRS certified and trained volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, help prepare basic tax returns and help working families with special tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly for which they may qualify. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, churches, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Each location also offers free electronic filing.

The Society, in partnership with the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, provides free federal and Georgia  income tax preparation for those below the $49,000 household income threshold.

During the traditional income tax reporting season, guests are invited to have their taxes prepared free of charge. This service affords guests the ability of saving the preparation cost and ensures that all credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit) and other deductions that provide monetary refunds are included. These cost-saving measures can make a huge impact on households that are financially struggling

February 7-April 12, 2012

Tax Preparation Sites:

SVdP Family Support Center
2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30341

Hours Operation:
Tuesday & Thursday
4 to 8 p.m.

Call to schedule an appointment: 678-892-6160
Monday thru Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SVdP Family Support Center
651 West Memorial Dr.
Dallas, GA 30312

Hours Operation:
Tuesday & Thursday
2 to 7 p.m

Call to schedule an appointment:770-443-1537
Monday thru Friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Don’t pay for filing, loans, or rapid refund

VITA e-filing gets your cash fast! (7-10 days)
You May be Eligible for the Following Tax Credits:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) up to $5,657
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Education Credit

Make sure you bring these documents with you to have your taxes prepared:

• Social Security Cards for all family members, and correct birthdates for all family members
• 2010 tax return
• All W-2’s for 2011Form 1098-Mortgage interest, property taxes
• Form 1099-DIV, G, INT, Q, R, RRB, SSA, for 2011
• Voided checking account number for direct deposit of your refund. (This is optional but gets your cash to you fast)
• A photo ID (you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
• Joint returns require both filers to be present to sign the return
• If you had child care expenses, bring the name, address, and tax ID or social security number of the care provider
• If you have educational expenses, bring the 1098-T or 1098-E

As need continues to overwhelm our Food Pantries, we are grateful for this opportunity to join together to raise money to fight hunger.  Although we are still hoping for improved economic conditions, Georgia is experiencing far greater need than other areas of the US. We are having a difficult time keeping up with the increasing demand on our Food Pantries.

When you participate, the more money raised, the more money there is to help fight hunger in your community.

ALL money raised will be used for food programs related to the Society’s hunger relief programs/clients, such as purchase of food for the pantry, grocery certificates for clients, or operational expenses of a food pantry.

Our goal is to raise $40,000!

Will you respond to our challenge?
You can form a team of family members, work colleagues, friends and parishioners to walk with others united to fight hunger. 

On a beautiful spring-like day last year, a total of more than $500,000 was raised through HWR to fight hunger in Georgia. Last year with your help, SVdP raised more than $31,000.
 
To participate as a team, please select a Team Coordinator to act as a leader for your group.  Please register on line at www.HWR2012.org. If you were in the system last year, you can use the same log-in name and password.

You will need to:
• Find your Conference-look for the drop down
• Name your team
• Set a fundraising Goal-SVdP’s Goal is $40,000
• Invite others to join your team using your email addresses

Each SVdP walker or runner will receive a SVdP Team T-shirt. All walkers who raise at least $25 will receive the official HWR 2012 T-shirt! Runners who pay the $25 registration fee will receive a special HWR 2012 shirt designed just for runners.

I am not a walker/runner so what can I do to help?
You can be a Virtual Walker which is someone who solicits donations and donates to the event even though they may not be able to participate directly.

If you have any questions, please call or email Caryn Stofko, 678-892-6172, cstofko@svdpatl.org.  Thank you for your continuous support and dedication to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul opened the expanded St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in downtown Kennesaw, at 2722 Summers St. with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 17.  

Thank you to Mayor Mark Mathews, who cut the ribbon and to Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Trash, City Manager Steve Kennedy,  and  Councilmembers Bruce Jenkins,Tim Killingsworth, and Jeff Ducket for helping us celebrateAlso pictured are SVdP Executive Director and CEO, John Berry, SVdP Director of Operations, Kevin Barbee and Kennesaw Thrift Store Manager, Sandra Bryant.  Rev. Fr. Jose Kochuparampil, from St. Catherine of Sienna, celebrated a blessing of the new store.

The new 10,000 square foot space replaces the smaller store which was previously immediately next door. The new location will allow for expanded merchandising space.  The store will be extending its hours of operation in 2012.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta empowers people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or faith, to achieve self-sufficiency by offering financial, material, educational, and spiritual support and by collaborating with others to develop and deliver programs and services that help those in need.

SVdP is part of an international organization and have operated in North & Middle Georgia since 1903.

Dear Friends,

Over the past few years during the holidays, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta has sent a Christmas card appeal asking for your help. This year we are not sending a traditional Christmas card request. The need in our community is too great to spend funds on printed cards rather than on programs and services for our neighbors in need. We can’t justify the cost when so many are hungry and hurting.

Last year:
• 35,000 Families had light, heat and water, because of you. • 20,000 Families were not homeless, because of you.
• 60,500 Children did not go hungry because of you. • 189,505 people had hope or a better future, because of you.

This year:
We need your help! If each person we ask donates $50 more than last year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be able to meet the increased requests for:
• electric bills • housing • food • job search assistance
• gas bills • medical care • job training • transportation

Once the Christmas tree is put away and the glow of the twinkle lights has faded, you will know that you have been a part of offering hope for more stable and self-sufficient lives for those who are suffering this holiday season. Please give generously.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

In peace,
John A. Berry
Executive Director & CEO

Although St. Vincent de Paul is not listed as a United Way partner, participants in the United Way campaign can write in St. Vincent de Paul as a designated charity for their contribution.  SVdP Atlanta accepts more referrals from United Way 211 than any other Atlanta agency. If you have the opportunity to donate to United Way, please write in
St. Vincent de Paul. For more information visit

http://www.unitedwayatlanta.org

______________________________________________________

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

http://www.opm.gov/cfc/

CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.  SVdP is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Campaign # 0211

http://www.cfcatlanta.westhostsite.com/_root/
SVdP ID#-15524

______________________________________________________

Georgia State Charitable Contributions Program

 
http://www.spa.ga.gov/employees/sccp_Main/index.asp

In 1982, the Georgia General Assembly established the annual program giving state employees a convenient way to contribute to participating charitable organizations through payroll deductions. Employees can make unrestricted donations or contribute to a specific organization. Independent and federated charities supported by the campaign provide health, welfare and educational programs to individuals across Georgia.  For more details on the State Charitable Contributions Program.

 http://www.spa.ga.gov/employees/sccp_Main/index.asp

SVdP ID # 180000

Charities Seeing Fewer Donations in Tough Times
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/28896070/index.html

Linda Stouffer reports

The Vincentians chatted with Margie and learned that they are trying to move to a smaller, less expensive apartment closer to their son’s school.

“There are so many expenses coming at us all at once and we can’t handle it alone. I can’t afford food, rent, electricity, gas, automobile’s gas, water, and sewage on my salary alone,” she told them.

Margie works at a minimum wage job putting in 50+ hours each week. She barely gets to see her family. They needed help with everything from food and rent to school supplies.

The St. Vincent de Paul Conference was able to offer Margie food from the food pantry. They screen her for other benefits and found she qualified for food assistance. Providing food made it easier for Margie to budget her meager income.  The Society helped her get caught up on her utility bills, too.

Margie hopes to move up to a supervisor’s position at work. The small increase in wages will help. She told the Vincentians that until she met them, her family felt like they were all alone; that nobody cared about them.

“We know we’re not alone anymore,” said Margie. “We are so grateful!”

When you donate to St. Vincent de Paul, you make a difference to a family who thought they were all alone. Please donate today!

St. Vincent de Paul is proud to announce a new affinity relationship with Gas South – Georgia’s fastest growing natural gas provider. As a friend of SVdP – you can save on natural gas and help support us. Gas South will provide financial support to SVdP for new customers who sign up under the program as well as current customers who enroll their account in the program. Already a major financial sponsor, Gas South developed this affinity program to provide even more financial support to our organization through annual donations by offering you great rates and outstanding service.

Switching to Gas South is easy! Your service won’t be interrupted and you don’t need to set up an appointment or contact your current gas provider. Sign up online at Gas-South.com/svdp. You can also sign up by calling 1-866-563-8129 and using promo code SVDP. Plus, you can save even more by signing up online and receiving a bill credit. Lock in a great low rate and watch your savings add up while supporting St. Vincent de Paul.

Everyone is invited to participate in the Gas-South SVdP Affinity Program.  Please spread the word to your conference, parish, local businesses, family and friends.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303 

FREE VALET PARKING INCLUDED WITH EVERY TICKET

Special Guest Speaker
Barbara Dooley 

Master of Ceremonies
Russ Spencer, Fox5 News, Atlanta 

Surprise Musical Performance 

$100 per person
$1,000 for a table of 10
Attire: Formal, Black Tie Optional
Sponsorships are Available:

For more information contact Caryn Stofko at 678-892-6172 or cstofko@svdpatl.org 

Presenting Sponsor – $25,000 (One available)

• Company name and logo will be exclusively featured larger and above all other sponsors and designated as presenting sponsor on all written materials (including invitations) and press releases to media outlets.
• Company logo featured on St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta website for a minimum of three months prior to the Gala and one month following
• Company name featured at head table, two seats at head table with the guest speaker and Archbishop
• One additional table, 10 guest seats available
• Product displayed prominently at event if desired
• Acknowledgement of participation from master of ceremonies during event
• Full-page advertisement in program brochure and company logo on program cover
• Volunteer opportunities the day of the event
• Company will be featured in the St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report as presenting sponsor of the Gala

Platinum – $10,000

• Company name prominently displayed on one table with 10 guest seats available.
• Company featured on all written materials, and press releases to media outlets.
• Product displayed prominently at event, if desired
• Acknowledgement of participation from master of ceremonies during event
• Full-page advertisement in event brochure and company logo on brochure cover
• Volunteer opportunities the day of the event
• Company will be featured in St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report

Gold – $5,000

• Company name prominently displayed and receive one table with 10 guest seats available.
• Company name/logo on written materials and press releases to media outlets.
• Acknowledgement of participation from master of ceremonies during event
• Half-page advertisement in event brochure
• Company will be featured in St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report

Silver – $2,500

• Company name and logo on event brochure and poster
• Acknowledgement of participation from master of ceremonies during event
• Quarter-page advertisement in event brochure
• Company will be featured in St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report
• Up to 4 guest seats available

Bronze – $1,000

• Company name on event brochure and poster
• Eighth-page advertisement in event brochure
• Company will be featured in St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report
• Two guest seats available

Friend of the Society – $500

• Company name on event brochure and poster
• Company will be featured in St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta 2011 Annual Report