Lorraine is the Managing Editor of the TowneLaker Magazine.  She lives in Towne Lake with her husband, Jimmy and their dogs, Elmo and Barnabas.

It's tax season.

It's become cliché to talk about the inadequacies of the current tax code and the inability of government officials to actually make a meaningful change so don't worry -- I won't go there.

But, I have just a few choice words about charitable donations -- specifically just what is and is not deductible.  I recently went through he annual drudgery of preparing my taxes for my accountant.  So, as I itemized everything and gathered my various W2's, 1099's and receipts, I had to come to terms not only with the amount of money that I give to the government, but also with just where the rest of my money goes -- and boy does it go. 

Sure, I give to the church and leave clothes for the American Kidney Foundation, and that helps a little on the bottom line with my taxes -- but what about the "support" I give to other organizations?  How about the Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tupperware and Creative Memories consultants that I "support?"  I've just gotten through "supporting" the Girls Scouts -- and my thighs are living proof of that support! 

I know that I can deduct the mileage for travel related to charity work -- but what about the fast food that I have to eat just to squeeze all of the "support" in?  Then there's the sports teams and bands hawking candy bars and popcorn -- can I deduct the expense of the fitness club membership I need after all of that "support?"  What about the exorbitant wrapping paper?

After all of this support, it's a good thing that virtually every Towne Lake area neighborhood is about to have a community garage sale, 'cause I can only afford to buy things second hand!  Not that that's the only reason to "go garage sale hopping."  Sometimes it's

just the quest for the bargain that's impetus enough to spend countless hours looking for $1 TV trays and a $10 patio set.  Check out the Community

Calendar on page 72 for area charitable and community garage sales and meet me there -- I'll be the crazy woman negotiating for the extra dime off.

If you're looking for some easy ways to help some pretty worth-while organizations, Towne Lake's got a lot to offer.  Monday, April 2, 3M and the Rose Creek Public Library are hosting a "Check-it-out Yourself Day" in honor of National Library Week.  Throughout the day, library visitors can use the 3M self-service check-out machine to check out books.  If at least 100 people use the machine during that day, the Library will be entered into a drawing for $1,000.  What easier way to help put books on the shelves?

The Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) is preparing to launch it's Second Annual Dining for Pets fundraiser.  This is a very easy and entertaining way to help raise money for the Humane Society.  Here's how it works: Throughout the month of May, regular people like you and I will host parties and invite family and friends to attend.  The folks attending are asked to make a tax deductible donation to the CCHS in the amount that they would have spent for a nice night out.  Some suggestions include a dessert extravaganza, a backyard barbecue, a candlelight dinner, a poolside splash or a tea party.  For more information, contact Dining for Pets chairperson, Connie Bishop, (678) 642-8805.

Even easier than hosting a party or going to the Library is participating in the Junior Service League of Woodstock (JSL) annual Penny Harvest.  On Friday, April 20, Towne Lake area residents will find a little baggie

attached to their front door or mail box flag.  The JSL hopes that you'll put all of your spare coins in the baggie and leave it in a visible place on Sunday, April 22 by 2 p.m.  They'll pick up all of the baggies and donate the money to charities that help area children.  Last year they collected $3,918.25 which was donated to the Cherokee County Battered Women's and Children's Shelter.

One last plug for a worth-while charity with a personal angle.  I'll be joining nearly 4,000 men and women in the metro Atlanta area in the annual Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk in October.  At recent meetings, I've met many Towne Lake area residents who have also committed to walking 60 miles in 3 days and raising a minimum of $1,900 each for breast cancer awareness, education and research. 

In the coming months, we'll all be sending out letters, making personal calls, and hosting "house parties" to help raise the $1,900 we are required to raise.  These donations are completely tax deductible.  So please, keep in mind that we're not begging for money to go shopping in Europe, we're trying to help save women from the leading cause of death for women 40 -- 55. 

If you're interested in joining us in the walk, hurry up and log onto www.breastcancer3day.org -- there are still a few slots open.  And, I've verified with my accountant that all of the extra shoes and sports paraphernalia that I'll have to buy to make it through this event is 100% tax deductible!  Finally "support" that pays off!