Members Give Back to the Community
Tax preparation event helps dozens save money and file early

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For the third year in a row, Local 1000 provided free tax preparation and filing assistance in Sacramento Feb. 7 for more than 50 union members and community residents.

The participants, who make $50,000 a year or less, had their income taxes prepared for free by a trained community volunteer under the federal government’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

All of the volunteer tax preparers were Local 1000 members and staff who received special training.

“Local 1000 is providing me with a great way for me to give back to the community by putting skills that I have to good use for other working people,” said Nadine Ontiveros, a CalPERS employee who formerly worked as a professional tax preparer.

“We are putting the Local 1000 Purpose Statement into action by helping others through what can be a stressful process,” said Wandra Pitts, a CalPERS employee. “It’s rewarding to do volunteer work through our union that is directly relevant to the lives of others.”

Participants who had their taxes done were also enthusiastic about the program.

“Local 1000 has put money in my pocket through the pay raise in our contract and by helping me with taxes,” said Juanita Daniels, a steward at the Contractors State License Board. “I tell everyone I know about this great program.”