Pat Bryant was named a finalist in Volunteer Memphis' Spirit of Giving awards! Pat's work for United Way's SmartBucks/Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance as an AARP tax preparation volunteer has helped VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites across the city. Pat has served as a coordinator, troubleshooter, EITCA board member, volunteer recruiter/trainer and liaison to other EITC Alliance members. During tax season, Pat has the responsibilities of a site coordinator in addition to her AARP duties as district coordinator.
The EITCA Alliance has a good number of site coordinators, but not many like Pat Bryant. She fills in across the county when problems arise. If no one else shows up at a site, IRS agents call Pat to open the doors and serve tax filers until other volunteers can be contacted. If equipment breaks, Pat either fixes it or drives over machines (from her home!) or from other sites that are currently closed. At one point during the 2004 tax season, Pat single-handedly ran 3 VITA sites from Cordova to midtown Memphis - all while still holding on to her insurance agency job!
Presenter Joey Sulipeck from FOX13 told the crowd at the awards luncheon how Pat recently helped a tax filer use the Earned Income Tax Credit to realize a $6,000 tax refund. The stunned tax filer wept as she realized a long time dream: to have enough money to put down on a home mortgage. As the tax filer walked away to a new life, Pat simply straightened her desk and helped the next person. Day in and day out, Pat has helped low-income families get the tax help they need to maximize their tax refunds. At the Spirit of Giving awards, it was Pat's turn to be recognized for all her hard work.
United Way commends and congratulates Pat for her dedication and well-deserved recognition!
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