Creating impact by giving back

While studying accounting at University of Redlands, Gregory Lackey ’97 was unaware that one day he would return to teach the very course that instructed his younger self how to give back to the community. Nearly two decades after volunteering with the University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program as an undergraduate, Lackey now leads it, teaching students the skills to prepare tax returns and, more importantly, to give back to U of R and its larger community.

“It wasn't soon after I graduated that the head of the department called me up and said the professor who was teaching the program had retired and asked if I was interested in teaching it,” Lackey said. “I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Since 1996, VITA has provided free, reliable tax preparation assistance to the community. In 2025, the program fulfills academic credit requirements and community service internship hours.

Redlands residents Scott and Gigi Alford discovered the program through a radio ad and have returned annually since.

“We used to go to H&R Block, but they were charging us a lot of money,” Scott said. “Through this program, we get our taxes done for free, and we end up getting a nice return. It’s a great, quick service, and we’ll be back next year.”

Lackey has become a witness to the impact VITA has had on the Redlands community, continually seeing its need for those it serves.  

“We look for folks that don’t have an understanding of how to file, are a little older and may need help, or can’t afford a professional service, even if their taxes are easier,” Lackey said. “We want to help them get the biggest refund they can and have them keep it all.”

For current students like Jocelyn Torres ’25, the experience of VITA provided value and meaning. Participating in the program for the last two years, Jocelyn appreciates the dual benefit of learning and helping those in need.

“A lot of students and even their families don’t know that there’s free support out there for something like this,” Torres said. “It educates students so they can fill out their tax forms, which is a huge benefit that Redlands is providing.”

Teaching Assistant and accounting major Yan Rodgers ’25 highlighted the broader significance of VITA. 

“It’s really good outreach, especially for University of Redlands’ mission statement of giving back to the community with a free service,” Yan said. “I feel it’s been impactful in expanding beyond education, since people in the area have a need for it.”

That impact is reflected in Lackey seeing returning clients whose lives have evolved alongside his own.

“Some folks have been coming for 15 years,” Lackey said. “I’ve coached their kids in baseball, seen them grow up. It’s cool to reconnect with people you know from around town.”

As the April 15 deadline approaches, the VITA program continues to serve as a model for experiential learning, civic engagement, and the Redlands’ commitment to community.

Learn more about VITA and file before April 15.