IRS offering webinar series
The IRS is offering a free series of webinars for the general public and tax professionals focused on improving tax security awareness for themselves and their businesses. The series is offered as part of the National Tax Security Awareness Week, which encourages both individuals and business taxpayers to take steps to protect their tax data and identities in advance of the next filing season. The webinars are open to anyone who’d like to register.
Webinar topics:
• Dec. 2: Get an Identity Protection Pin. Note that for the first time, starting in January, anyone who wants one and can verify their identity can opt into the IP PIN Program. Visit IRS.gov/ippin for details. Register at tinyurl.com/protectionpin
• Dec. 3: Small Businesses must guard against identity theft. Register at tinyurl.com/gaurdagainsttheft
• Dec. 4: Beware of phishing scams targeting all taxpayers. Register at tinyurl.com/bewareoftheft
PCSB to offer virutal visits with Santa
PCSB is offering virtual visits with Santa via its video banking service. Through the online portal, Santa will visit individually with children on screen live from the North Pole. Visits last approximately 10 minutes, are complimentary and by offered by appointment only. To schedule a visit with Santa, call 800-432-0387 or visit wearepcsb.com.
COVID Recovery Iowa to offer virtual visits with Santa
COVID Recovery Iowa has launched free virtual Santa visits just in time for the holidays. These safe and convenient visits are an ideal alternative as Iowans find new ways to honor holiday traditions during the pandemic. The virtual Santa visits run through Dec. 22. People of all ages are encouraged to sign up on the COVID Recovery Iowa Facebook page.
COVID Recovery Iowa is for anyone who has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and for some the aftermath of the derecho. The program offers free and confidential virtual counseling, support groups, personal support, fun activities and referrals.
Iowans in need of personal support can contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985 (24 x 7) go to covidrecoveryiowa.org, or call the Iowa Warm Line 844-775-9276 between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. A Spanish line is also available at 541-800-3687.
COVID Recovery Iowa is also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Creston Art Center challenge grant to end on Dec. 31
There is still time to donate to the Creston Community Arts Center renovation project and have your donation matched by the The Knock Family Charitable Fund. To obtain the match, pledges must be made by Dec.31 and payments of pledges must be made by March 1. For more info, visit crestonarts.com or call 641-247-1663.
Shop Creston first with Creston Bucks for the holidays
Do you need a quick gift solution for staff, clients, teacher, babysitter, paper carrier or that hard to buy for family member? Creston Bucks are a great gift idea and can be ordered in $5, $10 and $20 increments. As an extra bonus, your Creston Bucks can be personalized by calling the Chamber a day in advance. Shopping with Creston Bucks keeps revenue in Creston!
Chamber's Annual Holiday GiveAway
The Creston Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday GiveAway is underway and will continue until Dec. 16. There will be two drawings for $100, Dec. 2 and 9, during the promotion. All tickets will be returned to the receptacle for a chance to be drawn at the end of the promotion. Prizes need to be picked up by 4 p.m. Jan. 4. If prizes remain unclaimed, new winners will be drawn. If the prizes are not claimed by 4 p.m. Jan. 18, all remaining proceeds revert back to the chamber promotion committee. Complete rules are posted in all participating businesses.
MATURA Adopt a Family Tree
MATURA’s Adopt a Family Tree is located at the MATURA office, 207 B Elm St., for those wishing to help a family during the holiday season this year. Just stop by the office and select an ornament with family information by Dec. 11.