Volunteers needed for the Mobility Aid Program in CH 6
GOLDEN AGE FOUNDATION EVENTS
The free Mobility Aid program in Clubhouse 6 is one of the Golden Age Foundation’s (GAF) core programs and serves Leisure World residents who have mobility challenges.
The program provides a variety of equipment designed to promote greater freedom and independence to LW residents and to decrease the risk of falls.
There are five types of mobility aids in a variety of sizes available, including wheel chairs, transport chairs, four wheel rollators with seats, knee rollators and front wheel walkers. Each year the GAF loans approximately 2,500 pieces of equipment to residents.
Two trained volunteers staff the office Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m. except holidays. They provide assistance in choosing the right piece of equipment, adjusting it to the user’s specific needs and providing instruction on proper care and use. There is also an after-hours telephone assistance line staffed by volunteers to provide information and urgent assistance when needed.
The GAF is seeking volunteers to work in the office. Those who are interested should stop by the office for more information. The office also needs a volunteer who is handy with small equipment adjustments and minor repairs. Those interested in becoming a volunteer should call 714-904-1894.
If people find Mobility Aid items left outside with GAF stickers, they are asked to return them to the office.
••• Tax Aid Available Feb. 2 The free AARP Tax Aid Program, sponsored by the GAF begins Monday, Feb. 2, through Wednesday, April 8 in the Clubhouse 3 Learning Center.
IRS certified volunteers will prepare and e-file returns on
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Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m.-noon. People will participate in an interview with a tax preparer and quality reviewer. The process will take about 1.5-2 hours to have the tax return prepared, reviewed and printed. It will be e-filed later that day.
Appointments are required. Call 562-596-1987 and leave a full name and telephone number on the GAF answering machine. A volunteer will return the call to schedule an appointment. People are asked to answer their telephone even though the calling number will not be familiar or may be a blocked number and to make sure to have all of the documents necessary for filing before the appointment date.
An intake/interview sheet (Form 13614-C) must be completed for each return that is prepared. The form is available in the LW Library and should be completed in advance. People must be a full-year California resident and qualify to file as single or married filing jointly.
The following records should be brought to the appointment, if applicable:
• Social Security card or Form 1099-SSA for everyone on the return.
• Government issued ID or Leisure World ID for everyone on the return.
• Copy of 2024 Federal and State tax returns.
• Forms W-2.
• Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, pensions, social security benefits and IRA distributions
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• Forms 1099-B for the Cost of stocks, bonds and mutual funds sold in 2025.
• Verification of the sale of a California residence.
• Form 1095-A if purchased medical insurance through Covered California.
• For itemized deductions, prepare and total a list of medical expenses, charitable contributions, taxes, mortgage interest and other deductions (the total for California state returns should exceed $5,706 if single or $11,412 if married filing joint). Bring the list along with the organized receipts.
The following items are out-of-scope for the AARP tax program and cannot be processed at the event: returns with rental property, a net loss from self-employment or a sale of anything other than California homes, stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
As of September 2025, the IRS is no longer sending refunds or accepting payments with checks. Those who owe money or are due a refund, should bring a check or be able to log into an online bank to provide a routing and bank account number to complete the return.
••• Ralphs Community Rewards Program The Ralphs Community Contribution Program is an easy way for residents to raise money for the GAF.
The GAF helps people sign up for the program on the third Wednesdays, in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Center. On Jan. 21, the board helped more than 10 people sign up for the program.
Over the last quarter, the program raised $1,578.99 thanks to 457 shoppers, for a total of over a $6,000 a year.
A Ralphs Rewards account is needed to participate. Once linked, each time a person shops at a Ralphs grocery store, the GAF will receive a donation at no extra cost to the resident.
This is the only active fundraising project for the GAF.
The next in person sign up event will be Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 9-11 a.m. The process will take at least 5-10 minutes to complete the transaction. People will need a Ralphs membership card or rewards number, email information, and a cell phone to receive a code to complete the sign up process.
For more information about the GAF and its upcoming events or to volunteer, go to www.goldenagefdn.org, or text 562-301-5339.
— Anna Derby The Golden Age Foundation is not affiliated with the Golden Rain Foundation or LWSB in any way.
