Middlesex United Way: There are many ways to give

Some say Thanksgiving would not exist without turkey and potatoes, but we here at Middlesex United Way say Thanksgiving would not exist without it’s second half: “giving.”

With the end of the year quickly approaching, it is often a time where many nonprofits make their annual appeal, including us at Middlesex United Way. If you don’t already know, Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, where people are encouraged to keep the world of non-profits in mind, and donate if able to. If Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t for you, please consider #givingtuesday in your holiday plans. If you are on social media, be sure to use the #givingtuesday hashtag to help spread the message.

For more information about giving Tuesday, check out our Facebook page, or give us a call at 860-346-8695. In addition to #givingtuesday, today I would like to share with you ways you can help support Middlesex United Way, even beyond your lifetime.

Here at Middlesex United Way, we have the Red Feather Society, a generous group of individuals who have decided to leave a legacy gift to Middlesex United Way, ensuring they will continue to make a difference in the community for today and tomorrow.

Middlesex United Way is an active participant in a nationwide Leave a Legacy campaign to educate donors about the importance of leaving something in their wills to charities they care about. By providing for the future through planned giving, you make it possible for Middlesex United Way to continue our work in education, financial stability, health and housing for generations to come. For your contribution, you will be recognized as a member of the Red Feather Society.

A legacy gift can come in many different forms, such as a cash contribution or appreciated stock, a gift of retirement assets, a bequest in a will, a donation of life insurance policy, a charitable gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust, or a charitable lead trust. There are many ways to leave a legacy gift, and your financial advisor can help you decide what is best for you.

There are many benefits to making a planned gift, in addition to the long-lasting community benefits, including: Reduction or elimination of your capital gains tax on appreciated assets such as securities; increased income for you or a person you designate as a beneficiary; reduction of your income tax through the charitable income tax deduction; and decreased tax liability associated with the transfer of assets to your beneficiaries at your death.

A gift of an IRA, 401(k) or other retirement plans can result in substantial tax savings. Should you wish to make Middlesex United Way the beneficiary of a portion, or your entire retirement plan after death, these assets can avoid both estate and income taxes, and the community would benefit from the full value of the gift.

If you are interested in making a gift right now and you are 701/2 and older, the Charitable IRA Rollover allows you to make direct transfers of IRA assets to qualified charities without paying income tax on the withdrawals. If you are interested in these or other legacy giving options, we would be pleased to work with you and your advisors to develop a plan that suits your needs. For more information or to discuss your needs in confidence, please contact me at (860) 346-8695 or Kevin.Wilhelm@middlesexunitedway.org.

Middlesex United Way has been blessed to receive gifts large and small. We offer our sincere gratitude to the following people for choosing Middlesex United Way with this thoughtful support: Mel Arden, Bonnie Bennet, Harry Eben Burr, Helen Burr Trust, Mary Burr Trust, Timothy Cahill, Arline C. Fifield/Ruth Cone Trust, Jean D’Aquila, Robert Drouin, Kimberly Hogan, Gary R. Gomola, Patricia W. Gomola, J. Ellsworth MacDonnell Trust, Christie McLeod, David L. Reynolds, Ernest J. Schwartz Foundation, Nathan Shapiro Trust, Jean and Biff Shaw, Matthew T. Stillman, Clifford O. Straub, Patti Anne Vassia, Kevin Wilhelm, and William E. and Heidi Wrang, III. We thank each and every one of you for your selfless donation and promise to put your contribution to work.

If you have the means to do so, we hope you take the time to consider donating to a worthy cause, whether it is for a day or a lifetime. Please keep Middlesex United Way in your mind, and do not hesitate to reach out if you are seeking additional information. Our website MiddlesexUnitedWay.org is filled with information about our work, as well as how to donate. If you would like to speak with someone directly, please call us at (860) 346-8695.

Kevin Wilhelm is CEO and president of Middlesex United Way in Middletown.