National Volunteer

Appreciation Week

April 15-21, 2012

Webster’s dictionary defines a volunteer as a person who voluntarily undertakes a service or duty. Habitat for Humanity Georgetown County salutes all its dedicated volunteers who so generously give of their time and talents to help build homes, staff our ReStore, assist in our office, counsel families and partner in our fundraisers.  

Habitat is a volunteer-driven organization and as a result of the thousands of volunteer hours, 90 homes have been built for God’s families in need throughout Georgetown County. The continued support of these wonderful volunteers, men, women and students, has made it possible to keep our doors open and serve the community for 21 years.

Our volunteers bring their “can do” spirit, open minds and willing hearts each day they work. No challenge is too big for them and their tireless dedication is an inspiration. These are our Habitat’s heroes and we honor them this week and every week for the difference they make in the lives of people in need.

Annette Perreault

Habitat for Humanity

Georgetown County

Executive Director

Georgetown

Tax deductions

The South Carolina Senate is considering a bill (S1325) which has already passed the House, to provide tax deductions for private school tuition, home schooling expenses and tax credit for contributions to “scholarship granting organizations” that are supposed to make grants to low income families to pay for private school tuition. Such a loophole would enable wealthy people to escape taxes while they support an anti-taxation philosophy.

According to the League of Women Voters, this bill if enacted, would take an estimated $37 million away from state coffers in the first year alone. This is not only a mistake, since our schools are so short of funding, it is simply wrong. It is unfair. Public education is vital to a healthy democracy. Quality education for all our children is the key to our future.

While the House bill passed easily, this is not the case in the Senate where it is expected to receive closer scrutiny. There is time to make your voice heard. Simply go to the following web address to urge your Senator to vote against S1325.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php

Dwight Fee

Murrells Inlet