by Mallory Shan

For Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Food Bank would like to honor Patricia Cadogan, who has been a volunteer with the Food Bank For New York City since December 2009. What stemmed as a moderate interest in giving back to the community at that time grew into her passion in life.  Patricia now volunteers her time and talents for everything from special events to long term projects such as the Food Bank’s Tax Assistance program.

Our Tax Assistance program is unique in that it requires more time and dedication than any other volunteer opportunity at the Food Bank. Volunteers are trained to become IRS-certified tax preparers and are dispatched to tax sites all over the five boroughs to provide free tax services to low income New Yorkers. Here is Patricia’s story as a tax assistance volunteer.

Tell us a little bit about your volunteer experience with the Food Bank, specifically in the Tax Assistance program.
In 2009, when I prepared for tax season, I thought that my accounting background and my desire to serve would be enough. However the complex rules and language, and unfamiliar territory of ever changing tax laws were definitely challenges that I had to overcome, and I learned a lot.

I requested to be placed in a tax site that served a Spanish-speaking community because I knew those areas had a high level of need. It made the Spanish-speaking clients comfortable when they realized I could communicate quite well in their own language! It is a beautiful thing to know that with each client I encounter, one more deserving person is able to receive their tax return, and is able to leave with a smile. 

Why do you volunteer with the Food Bank?
I had seen a segment on the Food Bank's Tax Assistance program on Tiempo a few years ago. This is my second tax season with the Food Bank and my commitment to this program will continue. I keep learning more and have enjoyed working with my site manager, Michelle, and her team at the Jackson Heights tax site.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Food Bank?
Please don't hesitate to sign up when you have the urge to volunteer. The Tax Assistance program has grown and is very organized. The sites that you would work at provide clients with a one-stop opportunity to apply for a variety of services. As long as there are volunteers, the clients will keep showing up for help.

The recruitment and training process of Tax Assistance volunteers will begin in November — if you are interested in participating, email me with your information and we will email you detailed infomration when the 2012 tax season gets closer!

Mallory Shan is assisting the Food Bank’s Volunteer Services department for one year as an NYC Civic Corps Volunteer.