At tax time, Virginians can support 2 cancer centers

RICHMOND, Va. State income tax returns for 2006 will allow Virginians to support cancer research.

Filers can elect to make voluntary contributions from their refund checks or include an extra amount if they are paying taxes to support research at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center and the University of Virginia Cancer Center.

Both centers have earned special designation from the federal National Cancer Institute based on the quality of their research programs. Sixty centers nationwide have been awarded the N-C-I designation.

Delegate Franklin P. Hall -- a Richmond Democrat -- led the effort to encourage the donations, which will be shared equally by the two cancer centers.

The due date for Virginia income-tax returns is May 1.

Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch