A Silver Lining?

One of the hot topics on the "Nashville Flood Recovery" website is tax help for flood victims. In this news story, you can read about a silver lining for flood victims in Nashville: tax breaks and free help preparing their returns!


The story follows Lisa Spangler who lives in River Plantation, called "ground zero" for the damage. Though she has some accounting in her background, she was daunted by the amount of paperwork required for her tax returns. But never fear ... "The good news is that twenty accounting firms in the greater middle Tennessee area are doing free tax returns for the first 100 flood victims who apply."


Can you believe that? Twenty accounting firms! Think of the volunteer hours that will be involved in this project. I know 100 flood victims doesn't sound like much, but maybe other law firms in the area will be inspired to pitch in and donate their time and services as well!


One of the accountants who was interviewed said, "It's not as fun as a Garth Brooks concert but it could have that kind of impact," Wiseman said. (Brooks recently performed a series of benefit concerts that raised over $3 million!) 


For Spangler, it is a painful process to relive the devastation from the flood. But, with a pro bono tax preparer's help, it is a pain she's willing to endure because the money from her tax return will help her to rebuild her life. 


Volunteering their time and expertise in a place of need--now THAT'S how to "be the church!"