(Easley, SC) – The United Way of Pickens County is looking for volunteers to greet, prepare taxes, and coordinate our Free File volunteer income tax assistance sites around Pickens County. Did you know that a tax refund can make up to 30% of a family’s annual income? Volunteer to help low to moderate income individuals and families receive the maximum tax refund possible through quality tax preparation without paying a fee. Free tax preparation services have a significant impact on the quality of life for many individuals and families.

Hampton Roper, The Sentinel-Progress, hroper@sentinelprogress.com - June 28, 2022

PICKENS COUNTY — While COVID-19 cases are falling, the lasting damage the pandemic has caused can still be felt by young students. Camp iRock is looking to remedy this problem – and let the kids have fun while doing it.

November 15, 2021

Presented by the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, the Pillar of Easley Award recognizes and honors a long-standing business that plays an active role in our community and is highly respected as an important contributor in making our community strong, vibrant and successful.

September 29, 2021

By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County

PICKENS COUNTY —A few years ago, United Way of Pickens County was asked to teach basic life skills to high school students.

It was shocking how little they knew about navigating the real world … especially about managing their money. Honestly, we worried “how would they even survive after high school?”

July 15, 2021

By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County

PICKENS COUNTY — In a normal year, I would have written at least four articles about Camp iRock, United Way of Pickens County’s answer to addressing “summer reading loss.” United Way’s partnership with the School District of Pickens County and the Easley, Pickens, Powdersville YMCA is epic and my most favorite thing … ever. Watching those lightbulb moments go off when a child who is struggling with reading finally “gets it” is addictively wonderful. I can’t get enough!

March 9, 2021

By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County

This Saturday, I ran into Ingle’s in Pickens. Of course, most everyone wore masks. I saw someone who looked familiar. Since all of this COVID craziness, I have become even more assertive and called out her name. I was sporting my cute flower mask and dark sunglasses. She didn’t have a clue who I was. I announced myself. “Hey, it’s Julie Capaldi!”

February 8, 2021

Now those in Pickens County with a household income of $60,000.00 or less in 2020 can file their taxes for free from the comforts of their own home. All you need to do is visit GetYourRefund.org/Pickens.

February 3, 2021

By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County

I am so tired of COVID-19 and the misery and sadness that it has brought to people I love. OVER IT. February is Valentine’s Day month and I vow to be a huge bundle of sweetness and love, starting with this article!

We all need a happy ending…especially right this minute. Do you ever read stories and wonder, “What happened to this person?”

Here’s your very own happy ending!

January 12, 2021

By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County

PICKENS COUNTY — At the heart of United Way of Pickens County’s Volunteer Income Tax Program, nicknamed VITA, is a corps of dedicated volunteers who donate their time and expertise, year after year, to make sure hard working low to moderate income tax payers submit their tax returns correctly and on time. United Way of Pickens County has provided this free service for years.

December 16, 2020

By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County

As I watch the COVID-19 Recovery Fund shrink and the requests for assistance explode, it scares the heck out of me.

After nine months dealing with the aftermath of the coronavirus, I have discovered a clear pattern of requests for assistance.  The first need is food. When someone is hungry, they will humble themselves and ask for help, especially when there are children involved.  Then the requests for rent and utility assistance come especially now that the weather is cold.