The United Way Board of Directors proudly recognized Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Volunteers, Sponsors, and Site Partners at the 2025 VITA Awards Ceremony. The VITA program offers free income tax preparation services to individuals and households with an annual income of $65,000 or less, an annual predetermined income level set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
To date, VITA volunteers have prepared tax returns for approximately 3,300 families, resulting in an impressive savings of $990,000 in preparation fees. The families collectively received $5.1 million in tax refunds, providing them with critical financial relief and support. Families invest their tax refunds in different ways that best address their needs, including opening savings accounts, tuition, medical bills, and home improvements, all which contribute to the local economy. VITA volunteers assist clients in Hidalgo and Starr counties, as well as many Winter Texans who live in the area during the tax season.
Annette Garcia, Region One ESC retiree and United Way Board Member, proudly recognized several outstanding VITA volunteers and site leadership during the 2025 tax season. Ms. Jacqueline Ramirez, a student at South Texas College, received the VITA Outstanding Student Volunteer of the Year Award, for her exceptional service and commitment to helping others. Ms. Fernanda Martinez was honored as the VITA Community Volunteer of the Year, reflecting her impactful work and dedication to supporting the program’s mission. Additionally, Ms. Zaira Espinoza was acknowledged for her leadership and coordination as the VITA Site Coordinator at STC – McAllen, playing a vital role in ensuring the success and smooth operation of the site throughout the tax season. This special occasion celebrated the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of many more dedicated volunteers who selflessly served during the demanding tax season, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the community.
This year, approximately 150 IRS volunteers, including high school and college students, as well as retired professionals, successfully completed Advanced Tax Preparer Certification training to participate in the program. The volunteers played a vital role in the VITA program, ensuring an accurate and efficient process for preparing tax returns. The following schools provided VITA volunteers: Monte Alto I.S.D., PSJA I.S.D. – Ballew School of Business & Energy, Roma I.S.D. – Roma High School, South Texas College (STC) McAllen and Mid-Valley Campuses, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
The United Way of South Texas Board would like to express their utmost gratitude to the following companies for their generous sponsorship of the VITA Program: Frost Bank, H-E-B, IBC Bank, Lone Star National Bank, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, PNC Bank, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Texas Regional Bank, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Vantage Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. The Board also thanks the following Site Partners for providing their facilities: Calvary Baptist Church, City of McAllen – Lark Library and Palmview Library, City of Mission – Speer Memorial Library, City of Rio Grande City – City Hall, Goodwill Industries, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 – Endowment Community Center, PSJA I.SD. – T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School and Bowie Elementary, Roma I.S.D. – Roma High School, South Texas College – McAllen and Mid-Valley Campuses, and UTRGV. The United Way of South Texas offers VITA services to eligible clients throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, please call 956-686-6331.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. The organization supports 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 180,000 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax-deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.