So far, eligible families have collected more than $30 million in refunds from the city Child Care Tax Credit, in its inaugural year.
   Appearing at St. Mark’s AME Church in Jackson Heights Monday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg touted the new tax program as a vital part of what he called his administration’s ambitious anti-poverty strategy. “Parents should never have to make the choice between ensuring their children’s safety and making a living,” Bloomberg said.
   The credit allows parents and guardians who earn less than $30,000 and pay for childcare expenses for youngsters under age 3 to deduct up to $1,733, on top of state and federal child care tax credits.
   New York is one of only two municipalities nationwide to offer its own child care tax credit, according to city officials. Washington, D.C. started a similar initiative last year.
   Combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the result has been a windfall for many working families struggling to buy food and make mortgage payments.
   The choice of the church’s food pantry as the site of Monday’s press conference was itself a sobering reminder of the financial turmoil gripping many city families.
   Nearly 300 people visit St. Mark’s food pantry every week, according to Lucy Cabrera, president and CEO of Food Bank for New York City. “By providing much-needed cash to those individuals and families who are working hard and still struggling to make ends meet, the stimulus effect is immediate and local,” Cabrera said.
   To assist low-income residents, the city expanded its Tax Prep Plus program at 12 locations throughout the five boroughs, including St. Marks, with eligible filers paying $20 for professionally prepared returns.
   “The city is pulling out all the stops to make sure New Yorkers know about and claim every tax credit they have coming to them,” said city Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz.
   The Rev. Howard Dill at St. Mark’s welcomed the tax relief, especially for his younger parishioners, whom he said are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck.
   But mostly, Dill hoped for an end to the economic turmoil putting some congregants on the verge of losing their homes and denting the 401K investment plans of others — including his own.
   “History has shown us that things do bounce back,” Dill said. “Until then, it’s our responsibility to help one another through this process.”