by Amruta Kale

Adam, Tax Assisance volunteer

An Associate Attorney at the McFadin Law Group by day, Adam made a huge commitment as a Food Bank volunteer this past tax season. After completing IRS income tax preparation training — and receiving IRS certification — Adam dedicated four hours a week for three months to helping Brooklyn’s working poor file tax returns in Sunset Park through the Food Bank’s Tax Assistance Program.

As part of our efforts to honor our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18–24, the Food Bank has been posting interviews with volunteers throughout the week. Here is my interview with Adam…

Tell us a little bit about your volunteer experience with the Food Bank.
This is my second year volunteering with the Food Bank’s Tax Assistance Program — I signed up for the program with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. My interactions with Tax Assistance clients have consistently been nothing other than completely positive, and it is these interactions that made me want to volunteer with the program for a second time. I found the Tax Assistance clients to be patient, open and, in my experience, very happy with our service.

Why do you volunteer with the Food Bank?
I chose the Food Bank mainly because it provides the opportunity to assist clients with their income tax returns, which for many low-income families can be a significant source of income for the upcoming year. I like to help my community, and feel that it is an utter shame that residents of New York City (and America generally) struggle to find adequate food and housing.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Food Bank?
Having only volunteered with Food Bank through their Tax Assistance Program, I can say that others interested in the same will find the environment to be supportive, their site supervisor to be extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful and the program to be very well run.

Adam had so much fun volunteering this year, he is planning to come back again next season! We truly appreciate Adam’s long-term commitment and service to our program. Please join us in honoring Adam and our other volunteers — post a comment to let them know how you feel about volunteers or to share your own story!

If you are considering volunteering, don’t let taxes scare you! Come sign-up to participate by completing our online application — and take part in a program that helps provide up to $100,000 in tax refunds annually to New York City’s working poor!