Meeting people’s basic needs, welcoming more people home, giving all kids an equal chance to succeed, helping our neighbors in need—it’s all because of generous people like YOU who give and volunteer. Thanks for your continued support of United Way of King County and best wishes for 2011!

10 Ways You Did More in 2010

10. You were one of the 32,000 people in King County who volunteered your time and talents to improve the community.

9. You helped 7,000 struggling people…

To celebrate its grand opening in Bellevue, the Microsoft Store is holding a “Week of Thanks,” and Microsoft will donate up to $280,000 in software grant donations to local organizations. We’re thrilled to be one of the organizations chosen! The best part? YOU will be able to vote to help us reach our goal. Just “Like” the Microsoft Store Facebook Page and cast a vote for United Way. You’ll get a 10% off coupon for Microsoft Store purchases. And share this opportunity…

I have a friend who loves Halloween and carefully plans his costume months in advance. Some of his outfits have been very elaborate, but by far, one of his most well-received costumes was one of the simplest–UPS driver.

People love UPS drivers. When a UPS driver arrives, usually that means you’re getting something important or maybe a nice surprise–like an unexpected birthday gift from a far-off friend.

There’s another reason to love UPS drivers, their co-workers and the company itself–they are incredibly generous with…

[As Congress embarks on its annual task of refining the federal tax code, our free tax campaign director and asset-building guru Courtney Noble discusses the importance of temporarily expanded tax credits in providing the working poor with a solid financial footing, and argues for making those expansions permanent.]

Between January and April, 2010, United Way of King County volunteers prepared tax returns for 14,000 clients throughout King County.  Our clients had a median annual income of $19,062, which, when compared to Seattle’s median household income…

I may be able to take credit for starting the United Way of King County blog, but I can’t take credit for making it awesome. That would be Yuri Kim.

Yuri started at United Way of King County as an Americorps VISTA volunteer with our ending homelessness team. He provided key support to the Community Resource Exchange and the Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

A year and a half ago, he was one of the first contributors to our fledgling blog, and…

For Microsoft employee Jill Shrader, volunteering with United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign pays tremendous dividends.

“Before I became a tax volunteer I did a lot of one-time volunteer projects for various nonprofit organizations,” she said. “While that feels good, you get a different level of satisfaction when you find volunteer work you really like and focus your efforts. Doing taxes is intellectually challenging and a great opportunity to connect with clients. It is more fun and fulfilling than any other volunteer work…

From January 13-April 15, United Way of King County will provide free tax preparation and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to help working families increase their incomes and create savings. Tax services will be available at 15 sites across King County.

Free tax preparation allows low-income people to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid paying unnecessary fees for commercial tax preparation and “rapid refund” loans. Being financially stable reduces the risk of becoming homeless.…