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For the second consecutive year, the students of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the national honor society for the study of economics, are volunteering to help local residents complete their income tax returns.
The walk-in service began Feb. 26 and will run through April 15 at ProJeCt of Easton every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
To prepare for the tax assistance, the volunteers attended several instructional classes conducted by ODE advisor Sheila Handy, assistant professor of economics and business. The Internal Revenue Service provides the materials for the training as part of a national program of volunteer income tax assistance (VITA).
Handy was involved with the VITA program for several years prior to joining the Lafayette faculty and believes the experience benefits not just the residents, but the students as well.
“The students are given an opportunity to act in an advisory manner, while at the same time providing a community service,” says Handy. “They derive satisfaction from helping other individuals and learning how to prepare tax returns.”
Volunteer John Klitsch ’02, an economics and business major from Washington Crossing, Pa., enjoys giving back to the community and working with Handy.
“Working with Professor Handy has been incredible,” says Klitsch. “She has been amazing in her patience and ability to clarify the intricacies of all relevant tax forms. Not only is she a great professor, but she is also a very nice person and working with her has been enjoyable.”
The other Lafayette student volunteers, with class year, major and hometown:
Lindsay Carifi ’02, mathematics and economics, Winter Haven, Fla.
Matt Falzone ’02, chemical engineering, Catasauqua, Pa.
Emily Graetzer ’02, economics and business, Glen Rock, N.J.
Sarah Lowery ’02, economics and business, Missoula, Mont.
Chad Ritchie ’02, economics and business, Winchester, Md.
Peter Susi ’03, electrical and computer engineering, Unionville, Conn.
Jeff Zambrano ’03, economics and business, Cedar Grove, N.J.