Millions of Americans feel a sense of angst leading into tax season each spring.

Since 1968, volunteers involved with AARP Tax-Aide, an AARP Foundation program, have helped relieve some of that stress for nearly 50 million low- to middle-income taxpayers.  The program helps these taxpayers have more discretionary income for everyday essentials, such as food and housing, by assisting with tax services and ensuring they receive applicable tax credits and deductions.

Today we recognize three Tax-Aide volunteers with the Daily Point of Light Award.  Recently, a very grateful client sent a warm letter of appreciation recognizing her local AARP Tax-Aide team, which includes Linda Hadley, Larry Shoppal and Donna Codoni.  The client explained that she had a rather tricky tax question, and this team of volunteers researched it and guided her in addressing it successfully.  This Stockton, California team serves as a fine example of the way AARP Tax-Aide helps people all across the country.

Lynda is the Client Facilitator at the site, Larry is the Local Coordinator and Donna Codoni is the District Coordinator.  Together, this team covers the waterfront in learning the latest tax laws, managing software support, welcoming clients and providing tax assistance.  One team member described it as a symbiotic relationship – everyone working together and relying upon one another to provide high quality service!

We recognize this wonderful Tax-Aide team today.  We also reflect that they are just one part of a broader AARP Tax-Aide program, including more than 35,000 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers who make a difference for hundreds of people at each local site, throughout tax season – serving more than 2.6 million people annually nationwide.

Together these volunteers relieve the stress of tax season and help develop economic prosperity across the country.  One recipient of their service shared a sentiment the represents the feelings of so many:

“They made my day a smiling one.  They deserve a Gold Star and a double dip ice cream cone.”