Donating for a Good Cause

The Truth about Car Donation Programs

Do you have an old car or truck sitting in your driveway and are unsure of what to do with it? Perhaps, you are an experienced mechanic and want to repair it yourself so it runs like it did in the showroom. Time passes and you realize that you will never have the time to fix it. Then you try to sell it on the market and realize that it isn't worth your time. Many people would instinctively give the car to a junkyard and take home a measly $100.00. However, there is another sensible option. Have you considered donating your car?

There are many reputable charities accepting vehicle donations. There are the Purple Heart Veterans, Vietnam Veterans and even cancer research. The sad truth about war veterans is that they make up a large percentage of the poor and homeless across the country. The Purple Heart organization is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. Many Vietnam veterans are disabled and are never able to find a stable job. However, many generous donors have helped improve the veterans quality of life. All the donations have been used to treat and feed the homeless vets. Without the donations, many of the veterans would die. So every car donation helps improve the quality of life for a disabled war veteran.

Just as legendary non-profit organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army accept clothing donations, there are many reputable charitable organizations accepting vehicle donations. In addition, you are eligible for a tax deduction and many organizations offer free towing and pickup. There are cases when your tax deduction is more than your car is worth. Sounds pretty easy, right?

Well, make sure that the organization you choose to donate your car to is an IRS 501-C3 certified. If the organization can not verify this, do not donate to that charity. If a organization is 501-C3, that guarantees that the company gives the proceeds to the specific charity. Just make sure that your car donation counts.

Donating your car helps the environment as well. Instead of sitting in a junkyard rusting to the ground, the car is than sold to someone in need. This brings up my next point.

Even though your car may not be of value to you, there is someone out there that would love to have a car that could take them to work and back. There are many less fortunate people who can not rely solely on public transportation to get to work. So donating a car to a reputable organization will help the charity and help the needy find a car.

Summary: Do your homework on the charitable organization. Donating your car may help save a life.