Our country and city are facing tremendous challenges. More important, this is a time of unprecedented opportunity. During yesterday's inauguration, President Obama spoke of a new era of responsibility, a spirit of service, and how our nation relies on the faith and determination of the American people. Last week, Mayor Bloomberg called on New Yorkers to lead the "new era of public service" in his State of the City address.

For more than 20 years, our volunteers have embodied the spirit of service and epitomized the very best of our city. Now, to answer our leaders' calls to join together in service, New York Cares is developing innovative ways to increase our impact in this time of greater need and mobilize as many New Yorkers as possible to join us in this effort. Together, we will continue to change our city for the better.

We are grateful for your interest in our work and support. Thank you for helping us bring volunteer programming to nearly 1,000 agencies every year.


Gary Bagley
Executive Director

Boosting the Bottom Line: New York Cares' Tax Prep Program

Imagine working two jobs and only bringing home $19,000 a year to support your family. How you would feel if you learned you would receive more than $6,000 in tax credits and refunds?

This is exactly what happened to Evelyn,* a participant in New York Cares' Tax Preparation program last year. When she heard the good news that she would receive a check equal to one-third of her annual income, she leapt up and declared that she could now start saving for her children's college education.

In the 2007 tax season, our volunteers helped low-income New Yorkers receive $5.1 million in refunds and credits, with an average tax return of $1,400. This year, with more than double the number of volunteers, we hope to put up to $10 million in the hands of those who need it most. Every refund we generate creates new possibilities for families who desperately need them.

Read more information about our Tax Prep program and the many other ways our volunteers make an impact in our city.

*Name has been changed.

In the News

• Gary Bagley was unanimously appointed as Executive Director by the New York Cares Board of Directors.
• New York Cares celebrated 20 years of the Coat Drive by ringing the NASDAQ Opening Bell with presenting sponsor, Health Plus.
• Crain's New York rated New York Cares as one of the best places to work.
• A record 32,000 New Yorkers received gifts through New York Cares' Winter Wishes for Kids and Families program.

To stay on top of all the developments from New York Cares, read our blog.

20 Years and Getting Warmer

The New York Cares Coat Drive celebrated 20 years of keeping New Yorkers warmer this December. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Health Plus, and a host of others listed below.

Since 1989, we have collected and distributed more than 1.2 million coats. This year, we received 10% more requests for coats than ever before. However, we estimate that 2008 donations were down by about 10-15% from last year as a result of the tougher economic climate.

Every coat we received went to someone who desperately needed it, but we wish we could have done more. The reduced coat donations in the face of the increased demand are a sobering reminder that there has never been a greater need for New York Cares' volunteer programs, or for the Coat Drive.

Special thanks to: New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and the NYPD, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, NYC Councilmember Gennaro, NYC Councilmember Lancman, NYC Councilmember Reyna, the New York Mets, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, 98.7 KissFM, and magician David Blaine for hosting special coat collections this year.

Together we will keep the city warm long after the snow melts.