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The MISSION of Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. is to provide nutritious and appealing meals, including special diets, through regular personal contact for those in need to enable healthy independence.

In carrying out this mission, Meals on Wheels provides daily meals to many local residents that are not able to afford, or able to prepare their own meals for a variety of reasons. This service we provide helps clients remain healthy, and maintain their independence by continuing to live in their own home or apartment. During 2007, MOW provided more than 86,000 meals to 2,000 residents of Chemung County. The average age of our clients is 83 years, with more than 50% having income below the poverty level.

The Meals on Wheels program relies on funds from clients who are able to pay all or some portion of their meals, however some clients are unable to pay. MOW also receives donations from individuals in the community. Additionally, 45% of the budget comes from government funds and the United Way. As the Board of Directors looks to the future and the ability of MOW to continue to provide this valuable service, we need to have a plan to ensure continuation of service regardless of the local economy, or our ability to obtain government funding. An Endowment Fund is Meals on Wheel's insurance plan.

ENDOWMENT FUND

The purpose of this Fund is to ensure ongoing service to our clients if our current funding shrinks, and to have funds available to maintain our facility if major repairs are required. We have contracted with a professional investment firm to conservatively manage this fund to ensure growth and safety of principal.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There are several ways to contribute to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc.

Testamentary Gift

You can impact the lives of countless local residents in the future by including Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. in your Will. Although the people who will benefit from your generosity will never be able to thank you personally, your gift will be a living tribute to your loving foresight and compassion.

If you want to leave a gift through your Will, consult with your attorney now and consider using the following language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. ___% of my residuary estate." (Fill in the percentage.)

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. $______." (Fill in the specific dollar amount).

You can also leave specific assets such as a home, stock or personal property. Additionally, you can designate a particular use for your gift such as for general use, building maintenance or repair, etc.

For more information, you and your attorney may contact the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. If you have already named Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. in your Will please tell us. We want to recognize your generosity and personally thank you for your support.

Appreciated Property

Giving securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. that have increased in value can bring significant tax savings to you. Such gifts are deductible for income tax purposes at the total full market value if owned longer than 1 year. They also enable you to eliminate the capital gains tax that would have otherwise be due on the sale of those securities.

Depreciated Property

If you own investments that have decreased in value, they are deductible at full market value which is less than cost so consider selling them and making a charitable gift of the proceeds to Chemung County Meals on Wheels, Inc. This creates a loss you will be able to deduct from other taxable income or gains. Additionally a cash donation is an allowable itemized deduction.

Memorial Donations

Memorial donations are an important way for friends and relatives to remember someone at the time of their death. Has Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. has provided a valuable service to you or someone you love? Have you volunteered? Do you have an appreciation for the valuable work the organization does? You can have MOW named as an organization to receive memorial donations. You can do this by letting your family know your intentions now.

Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions made to us are deductible for computing income and estate taxes, as allowable by law. Please contact your tax advisor for additional information.