The July 15 tax deadline was quickly approaching when a group of AARP Tax Prep volunteers jumped into action. “We can be kind to one another in these days and help each other out,” says Annemarie R., AARP Tax Volunteer. Annemarie was determined to find a way to service the 50+ seniors in our town who never received help with their taxes because of the Pleasant Street Center closure in March, due to COVID-19. Together with AARP, Maria Puglielli, and Kelly Coughlin from the Pleasant Street Center, Annemarie drafted a proposal to the Board of Health detailing her plan on how to safely resume AARP service. On June 18th, we were given approval from the local Board of Health to resume tax service so Annemarie, along with four other AARP volunteers, quickly got to work. After four days and 20 hours of work, 50+ senior tax returns were complete.
We are grateful for the dedicated service of our five volunteers: Annemarie R., Judy A., Roberta L., Mike R. and John D. All of these volunteers have one thing in common—they are committed to giving back to the community in which they live. Our volunteers bring an average of 20 years of experience and all five once worked as Federal employees, serving in areas such as the IRS, Department of Defense, and Social Security.
It is also through the wonderful cooperation from our town officials, local Board of Health, the Pleasant Street Center staff, and, of course, our amazing AARP volunteer tax team that made servicing tax returns this year possible. It is a reminder that not all is lost and when we work together, anything is possible.
