TAX CREDITS AID SOME BOOTHEEL ORGANIZATIONS

JEFFERSON CITY -- Doing a good deed for some area charitable organizations now can be twice as rewarding.

Four area organizations are among 143 in Missouri eligible for the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP provides state tax credits to businesses in exchange for contributions to these organizations' approved community improvement projects.

Businesses can donate cash, materials, supplies, equipment, technical assistance, professional services, labor, real estate, stocks or bonds. The tax credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total value of the contributions, or up to 70 percent for projects located in some rural areas of the state.

Cindy Ward, executive director of the Cotton Boll Area Girl Scouts which is eligible for $128,390 in state tax credits, said the organization was "thrilled" with the NAP tax credit. The program makes it easier for the organization to seek donations from businesses by rewarding them through a 50 percent tax deduction for donating to the Cotton Boll Scouts Capital Campaign.

"This award completes a funding package that will make possible an improved, more centrally located service center. This new facility will enable us to better meet today's needs of our girl members and the wonderful volunteers who serve them in Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Stoddard, Dunklin, Butler, Pemiscot, Carter and Ripley counties," Ward said.

Other area not-for-profit organizations selected for the program include the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center Inc. of East Prairie, Mo. which is slated for $329,000; the House of Refuge for Abused and Battered Women is receiving tax credits of $35,000 and the New Madrid County Human Resources Council Caring Community Partnership, $15,400.

The announcement of NAP credits prompted a whoop of excitement from Dr. Martha Ellen Black, executive director of the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center.

The center has received the funds previously and Black said it has proved to be a program which can benefit businesses and the community alike.

Pointing out because of its rural location, businesses which donate to the center receive 70 cents in tax credit for each dollar donated, Black said the center strives to be good stewards with all donations and is conscientious about developing programs to benefit the entire community.