The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) reminds residents of the Golden State that donating to The California Veterans Homes Fund is easy. Simply write the amount you wish to donate to The California Veterans Homes Fund (Code 417) under “Voluntary Contributions” of the California Resident Income Tax Return 2010 540 2EZ, and “Contributions” under form 540 and 540A http://www.taxes.ca.gov/income_tax/forms.shtml.

AB 1088 (Fletcher) established The California Veterans Homes Fund, a voluntary contribution fund to finance programs and services at California’s Veterans Homes located in Barstow, Chula Vista, Fresno, Lancaster, Redding, Ventura, West Los Angeles and Yountville via the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Accounts provided for by Section 1048 of the Military and Veterans Code.

Several activities and programs at the Veterans Homes of California are financed through the veterans homes’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation Accounts. State law provides for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Accounts to accumulate proceeds from prisoner-of-war license plate issuance revenue, donations to the fund, and funds derived from the estates of deceased members.

So during the current 2010 tax season, remember the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s veterans by donating to The California Veterans Homes Fund via your California income tax returns. Your contribution will go a long way in making our veterans’ stay in our veterans homes pleasant and life affirming. We owe it to them as an expression of gratitude for their patriotic and exemplary service.