The Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson is recruiting volunteers for its Free Tax Prep Meck program and selling tickets for its Nov. 14 Food Fight fundraiser.
Tax-prep volunteers sought
The center needs tax preparers and greeters. Its volunteer page lists training for December 2026 and January 2027 and invites prospective volunteers to join a waiting list by calling 704-896-0471, ext. 140.
Tax preparers receive an IRS-approved curriculum and two Saturdays of training covering software, tax rules and common client situations. Greeter training covers welcoming clients, intake forms and tax-site operations. No prior tax experience is required, according to a Nov. 1 contributed article in Lake Norman Woman by Dawne Kakitsis, the center’s director of philanthropy.
Kakitsis reported that volunteers helped clients obtain nearly $2.4 million in federal refunds during the most recent tax season, with estimated preparation-cost savings exceeding $923,000.
Food Fight: brunch competition
Food Fight is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 212 Gamble Street in Davidson.
The event’s online ticket form lists admission at $25 for ages 12 and up and $10 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased on the center’s Food Fight page.
Restaurants, caterers and home chefs will compete in four brunch categories: Protein Power, Grits and Hits, Griddle Weight and Sweet Victory. The fundraiser supports the center’s work with families in North Mecklenburg.
For sponsorship inquiries, the event page lists Josh Kiser at 704-896-0471, ext. 131, or [email protected].
Programs’ reach
In her November column, Kakitsis reported that the center had served 6,311 people in the prior year and recorded 7,951 food-pantry visits. She also cited more than $441,000 in financial assistance, 89 students supported through after-school learning and 59 through summer camp.
The center primarily serves Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, while also assisting families in surrounding communities.
