Retirees Help 4,500 Utah Families Get $4.5M in Tax Refunds

When a frustrated student nearly gave up on learning computers, an older woman in his digital literacy class did something that changed everything. She stood up, walked over to his desk, and shared what she'd just learned moments before, telling him gently that he had the wrong perspective about technology.

Her kindness didn't just help one person. The entire classroom atmosphere shifted as other students began asking questions, offering ideas, and supporting each other through the lesson.

This moment captures what's happening across Utah County, where retired volunteers are transforming lives through programs run by United Way. Their impact goes far beyond the hours they log.

Take the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Each year, dozens of retired volunteers spend hundreds of hours learning tax preparation, passing IRS certification exams, and helping low and mid-income families file returns for free. Nearly half of these volunteers have returned for six or more years.

Last year alone, these dedicated retirees helped secure $4.5 million in refunds for households across the county. For many families, that money meant groceries on the table, rent paid on time, or breathing room in a tight monthly budget.

Maddie Hardy, who coordinates volunteers at United Way's Volunteer Center, sees the difference these experienced community members make. "Retired volunteers truly are the backbone of our VITA program," she explains. "Their time, patience and lifetime of experience help us serve hundreds of local families each year."

The relationships built through this work create something deeper than just tax assistance. Families return year after year because they trust the volunteers who've served them before. That consistency strengthens the entire community's connectedness.

The Ripple Effect

The magic happens when people like that computer class student discover they're not alone in their struggles. What started as one woman helping a frustrated classmate became a room full of people supporting each other.

The struggling student later wrote that his favorite part of class was receiving "input from class members." He went from nearly quitting to actively engaging with his peers.

Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County, has watched this pattern repeat countless times. "Our longtime community members have a unique opportunity to make an impact," he says. "When they step forward to serve or engage in local programs, they don't just share their knowledge; they help build a stronger, more connected Utah County."

Whether filing tax returns or encouraging a fellow student, these retirees prove that experience matters. Their wisdom turns routine volunteer shifts into moments that change lives.

Anyone interested in making a similar impact can find volunteer opportunities at unitedwayuc.org, where the next generation of community builders is always welcome.