Jun 21, 2022

Free tax service program returns nearly $3 million to community

PRESS RELEASE

MUSKEGON – Goodwill’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Services of West Michigan program processed a total of 1,750 free income tax returns for eligible low- to moderate-income individuals and families this past tax season, resulting in nearly $3 million to the West Michigan community. 

Powered by only 20 dedicated, trained, and IRS-certified volunteers, the program served residents in Muskegon and Newaygo counties at six convenient community locations. 

 “We are truly grateful for our amazing volunteers who make this program possible every year, and for our generous funding partners and community collaborators for their support,” Tax Program Coordinator Amanda Kitchka said. “Volunteers were down again this year to due to the COVID pandemic but despite the challenges we did not turn anyone away.” 

“We thank our volunteers, who generously donated their time to help people maximize their tax returns,” said Goodwill Career Center Manager Carl Lewis. “It’s gratifying work for our volunteers. For many struggling families, these returns have a big impact on their lives.” 

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan thanks its VITA support partners and host sites: Muskegon Community College, Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Heights Library, Egleston Branch Library, TrueNorth Community Services, CALL 211, and My Free Taxes. 

Funding partners that helped support Goodwill’s VITA program this year included the Internal Revenue Service, United Way of the Lakeshore, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, and the Fremont Area Community Foundation. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is currently seeking volunteer tax preparers for next season.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, or volunteering in one of the various volunteer positions associated with VITA, please contact Goodwill Tax Program Coordinator Amanda Kitchka at (231) 722-7871 x1050 or sign up online at www.vitawestmichigan.org