Empowering Communities: High School Students Provide Free Tax Assistance in Rancho Cucamonga

In Rancho Cucamonga, a Team of Teenage Tax Slayers Helps Adults

Empowering Youth, Enriching Communities

High School Students Provide Free Tax Assistance

In the hustle and bustle of tax season, the looming deadlines and complex forms can often leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and unsure. For many, the cost of professional tax assistance further exacerbates the stress of filing taxes. However, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, an inspiring initiative is changing the narrative, one tax return at a time.

In the heart of Rancho Cucamonga High School, a group of unlikely heroes emerges: high school students, armed not with capes, but with calculators and an eagerness to make a difference. Destiny Linda, an 11th grader, stands among them, part of a team of student volunteers dedicated to providing free tax assistance to their community.

Under the guidance of instructor Chris Van Duin, these students undergo training through a little-known IRS program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Their mission? To offer a helping hand to those navigating the intricate labyrinth of tax preparation, regardless of their financial status.

Van Duin reflects on the initial skepticism often faced by clients encountering the program for the first time. “Clients are, the first time through, always very skeptical… So a lot of questions of, you know, how do we keep the materials since we’re working on it during the week, how secure are things,” he shares. Yet, these doubts are swiftly dispelled as clients witness the competence and dedication of these young volunteers.

Among those seeking assistance is Kaiden Johnson, who expresses surprise at the proficiency of the student volunteers. “I’m actually surprised. One of the young ladies here is a junior in high school and she seems like she knows what she’s doing so I was like, wow,” she remarks, echoing the sentiments of many who benefit from the program.

The impact of VITA extends beyond mere tax preparation; it symbolizes a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with financial constraints. Van Duin emphasizes the significance of the program, noting, “It’s a great opportunity for some of these people that are really tight on funds to be able to save money and be able to get taxes done locally, and maybe at a better time schedule for them as well.”

For Khurram Ahmed, one of the recipients of assistance, the program offers reassurance and peace of mind. “I just want to make sure I do it right… so yeah a little help is better,” he shares, highlighting the importance of accuracy in tax filings.

Beyond the practical skills gained, participation in VITA cultivates invaluable real-world experience for the students. Van Duin affirms, “This is a very big eye-opener that you don’t need money to help people, just simply learning how to do taxes or simply going out and talking to people, you can help them just like that.”

Paul Santoyo, another volunteer, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from aiding those in need. “I love that I could help people who need it and people who don’t know what to do, and I could, you know, be the link that helps them with this,” he expresses.

Rancho Cucamonga High School students help adults prep and file their taxes

Yolanda Shepherd, a recipient of the students’ assistance, recognizes the broader implications of the program, envisioning a future generation of community leaders. “It’s great for development, for them to be transitioning from high school into, you know, the competitive workforce, or just being a community service or community leader,” she remarks.

As the tax season unfolds, Rancho Cucamonga serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Through the dedication of high school students and the guidance of their instructor, VITA not only eases the burden of tax preparation but also fosters a spirit of empathy and empowerment within the community.

In a world often characterized by division and disparity, the story of Rancho Cucamonga’s student volunteers stands as a reminder of the transformative impact of compassion and collaboration. As tax returns are filed and burdens lifted, these young individuals embody the essence of service and solidarity, lighting the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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