As 2010 Census forms begin to arrive by mail, local leaders are urging residents of Millen and Jenkins County to complete the forms. The return rate for the 2000 Census was only 57 percent for the county and 59 percent for the city.

The importance of completing and returning the Census forms cannot be overstated.

Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide such as hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior citizen centers, bridges, public works facilities and emergency services.

The census mailing package includes a cover letter, the 2010 Census form and a postage-paid return envelope. The 10 questions are simple and should take about 10 minutes to complete. The 2010 Census asks the following questions:

1. The number of people living in the residenc

2. Any additional people that might be living there as of April 1, 2010

3. Whether the residence is owned or rented

4. Telephone number (in case the Census Bureau has followup questions)

5. Name 6. Sex

7. Age and date of birth

8. Whether of Hispanic origin

9. Race

10. Whether that person sometimes lives somewhere else

Local residents who have questions about the Census or need assistance to help complete the form, may visit a Question Assistant Center (QAC) or Be Counted Site (BCS).

QACs are located at the Jenkins County Department of Family and Children Services, JD’s Beauty Salon and Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center. At these locations, a census worker will be present to help residents complete the form and answer questions about the form.

A BCS is located at the Jenkins County Board of Commissioners’ office at the Jenkins County Courthouse. At this location, census forms may be picked up in case a citizen did not receive, lost or misplaced their 2010 Census form.

Information collected by the census is used to produce statistics. Answers provided cannot be used against anyone by any government agency or court.

Completing the 2010 Census is required by law for everyone living in the United States. Those who do not return the form by mail can expect a visit to their home from a Census worker.