Donors Can Now Make Tax-Free Gifts from their IRAs
Congress has re-authorized legislation that allows donors to make charitable gifts from their IRA accounts during tax years 2008 and 2009 without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. If you are age 70 1/2 or older and are required to take minimum withdrawals, this may be a great way to make a gift to one or more qualified charities. For more information, visit our legacy planning section.
Families Served by Volunteers of America Featured in "Hope is an Open Heart"
One dollar from the sale of each book, up to $30,000, to be donated to Volunteers of America by Scholastic Inc.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Volunteers of America, one of the nation’s top human service providers addressing the needs of children and families, has worked with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, to create “Hope is an Open Heart,” an uplifting new book that teaches children hope can be found in some of the most unexpected places.
Scholastic Inc. will donate one dollar from the sale of each hardcover edition of “Hope is an Open Heart” in the United States – up to $30,000 – to Volunteers of America, which provides services to children in need in communities nationwide.
“Hope is an Open Heart” is now available for purchase online at The Scholastic Store and at other online book retailers nationwide.
For more information, click here.
Volunteers of America and CNN Heroes to Honor Volunteerism
Volunteers of America has joined forces with CNN Heroes to honor and elevate volunteerism in the U.S. and throughout the world. CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute recognizes ordinary citizens whose extraordinary deeds are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
After receiving nearly 4,000 submissions from 75 countries, a Blue Ribbon Panel including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Jane Goodall, Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Franklin Graham, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and George Lopez (to name a few) selected this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes. Each Honoree will receive a $25,000 award for his/her organization.
You have the opportunity to help choose which of the ten Honorees will become the CNN Hero of the Year. The winner will receive $100,000 and be revealed during CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute on Thanksgiving night.
Because Volunteers of America and our many members thrive on making positive contributions in our own communities, we encourage you to vote and help choose the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year. For more information and to vote, please visit www.cnn.com/heroes. Then watch CNN Heroes, hosted by Anderson Cooper, on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 27, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).
High School Students and Major Leaguers Go to Bat for Those in Need
The Action Team Youth Volunteer Program Kicks off a New School Year in 19 Cities Including Both 2008 World Series Locations
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Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and JC Romero of the Philadelphia Phillies with members of the Philadelphia Action Team.
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The World Series signaled the end of another thrilling baseball season, but it also means the beginning of another exciting season of volunteering for Action Teams of high school students and Major Leaguers on a mission to impact the lives of those in need.
Since 2002, the Action Team program – created and administered by Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust – has been inspiring and training the next generation of volunteers in cities throughout the United States. Working together, Major Leaguers and high school student leaders recruit, train and organize other students to support causes important in their communities. The players and students deliver a simple message to young people everywhere: You don’t need to be a celebrity to be a hero to someone else.
Two Action Team Major Leaguers recently took time out of their World Series preparation to talk about the program.
Visit the Action Team on MySpace and Facebook.
Volunteers of America's Thrift Stores Offer Increased Value in a Time of Economic Uncertainty
The recent economic downturn has forced people to rethink their buying habits, and more importantly, their retail establishments. Long known for a variety of goods at more attractive prices, Volunteers of America thrift shops are providing consumers what they need as they tighten their belts during this financial crunch.
The Oprah Winfrey television program filmed footage at one Volunteers of America thrift store in Ohio to show that even kids are finding out that they can find the brand name items they want at lower prices. Many Volunteers of America thrift stores are now becoming the place to shop for both value and quality.
For more information on donating items or shopping at our thrift stores, click here.
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