Hometown Hero: Gilbert Bellamy

Published March 19, 2018 5:56pm CDT

For 10 years, Gilbert Bellamy has been a VITA volunteer.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a free service from the United Way of Tarrant County, Dallas County and Denton County for people who make $58,000 a year or less. VITA centers are all over North Texas.

Gilbert Bellamy was an internal auditor for the Department of Defense. When the Grand Prairie father of two and grandfather to three retired, he was a VITA volunteer at the Shadow Brook VITA tax center in Arlington.

He finds it very rewarding to help people and families with limited means. With free tax service from IRS-certified volunteers, those families get to save money that would have gone to preparation fees. Many get earned income tax credits that help them get caught up on rent or save for a rainy day.

If you make $58,000 or less log on to www.mymoneydfw.com to find a VITA location near you. You can also use that email if you'd like to become a VITA volunteer tax preparer.