Residents Feed the Hungry Through Donations to the United Way Fund

Every year at tax time, taxpayers have the opportunity to help their less fortunate neighbors when they file their Michigan State tax returns. Lapeer County residents made an impact right here in their own community by donating to the United Way Fund. The fund was established in 2009 to help provide emergency food, clothing and shelter to the Michigan residents hardest hit by the economic downturn. Donations are distributed based on the taxpayer's zip code, so local residents are guaranteed that the money comes home to help their friends and neighbors. This year's donations totaled nearly $2,000 for Lapeer County.

Thanks to all of you who contributed at tax time this year! If you'd like to direct a portion of your 2011 tax return to help needy families, ask your tax preparer to file form 4642 and "check off" the United Way Fund.

Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people. Connected, Interdependent, United. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. That's what it means to

LIVE UNITED.

United Way News

Volunteers needed for Free Assisted Self-Service Tax Preparation

If you've been interested in helping others with Tax Preparation but have been reluctant to jump in because you're unsure of the expertise required, wait no more! By helping people claim all of the tax credits for which they are

2-1-1

2-1-1 Was Launched in Lapeer County on November 1st, 2011

Every hour of every day, hundreds of people need essential human services - they are looking for training, employment, food pantries, help for an aging parent, addiction prevention programs for their teenage children, affordable housing options, support groups and ways of becoming part of their community. 2-1-1 allows people to give help and to get help.

2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The implementation of 2-1-1 in Lapeer County is being spearheaded by United Way. For more information, or if you would like to help bring this vital service to the community, please call the United Way office at (810) 667-2912.

Imagination Library

IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS HERE!

United Way of Lapeer County, in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation have brought Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Lapeer County. This program provides age-appropriate reading books to children between 0 and five years of age. Children will receive one book each month, delivered to their homes for free. The program is proven to improve early literacy skills, and increase school readiness in young children.

Parents can enroll their child by picking up a registration form at any local library or by calling the United Way office. Space is limited so children will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, call United Way at (810) 667-2912 or visiting the website at www.imaginationlibrary.org.