“Check Off” for the United Way

The United Way of Marquette County is encouraging Michigan residents to “check off” for the United Way Fund on Michigan tax returns. Form 4642 on the 2011 income tax return will allow people to donate all or part of their 2011 Michigan tax return to the United Way Fund, a fund created to help Michigan’s needy families with their most basic needs. In accordance with Public Act 527 of 2008, the funds are provided to communities “for basic needs, including, but not limited to, food, clothing and shelter.”

The Michigan Legislature has created a quick and easy way to donate resources that help ease the burden for many Michigan families. All proceeds will directly benefit the United Way in your community.

The United Way of Marquette County, like most United Ways, are experiencing increases in requests for funding and services from agencies, which are facing budget shortfalls. At the same time, fewer people are able to make the donations they might have in the past.

The 2011 efforts brought in over $350,000 in Michigan for United Ways to address basic needs in their communities. This is an increase of over $100,000! United Way of Marquette County received $2,802 to help 15 families and two homeless individuals with food, clothing and shelter.