Top Rated Vehicle Donation Programs: Why Donate Your Vehicle

Americans Love Affair With Vehicles

Americans love their vehicles. Some households use their vehicles to drive their kids to school or to soccer practice and some just use them to get to work and back. We love things that are fast and convenient. It is no surprise that a recent study found by Autospies.com indicates that American families on average own 2.28 vehicles. Most commonly families have two cars; one for the husband and one for the wife.

That situation can work fine for most American families until the kids grow up. If you are a parent of a teenager, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Around the young age of fifteen to sixteen, teenagers will do almost everything they can to harass their parents to drive a vehicle. For parents, it can be a hard process because they love their child so much and they are afraid of the dangers of letting their "princess" take the keys to a 3,500 lb vehicle.

Whether parents like it or not, they have to eventually give in and let their child take the wheel of a vehicle. Parents are aware of the costs of owning a vehicle, but lets focus on the positive aspects of letting your teenager drive a vehicle.

1. Your child can drive themselves to school, practice and social events. (More time for yourself)

2. Teenagers learn the responsibilities of becoming a adult. Make your child be responsible for the many costs of owning a vehicle such as insurance, payments, repairs and gas. Also teaches them on how to manager their income.

Often parents will pick a used car for their child. This is always a good idea as long as the vehicle is safe and reliable. However, if you buy a unreliable vehicle, you will have to drive them to work anyways. Be a smart shopper and do not be too frugal.

In 2001, my Dad took me a used vehicle lot and I bought a 1985 Oldsmobile. While it was not in great condition, it was good enough to get me to work and school. The engine sometimes backfired and the upholstery on the ceiling was falling down. I followed my father's suggestion to only drive it to school and work. It was not an ideal situation, but it taught me the value of money and hard work.

After graduating from high school, I got a better job and bought a new vehicle. However, I had to do something with my Oldsmobile. I did not want to spend the time to sell the vehicle and I didn't want to donate my vehicle to a junkyard.

Donate Your Vehicle to Charity: Get Rid of your Old Car

I shared my story because it a perfect situation for donating your vehicle. I did not have the time to sell my vehicle and I felt that the vehicle had something to offer for someone else. As fast paced life can be, vehicle donation programs are a lifesaver while helping various charities.

Vehicle Donation Tax Deduction:

Americans also love money. With that in mind, all charitable vehicle donations include an IRS tax deduction. After you donate your vehicle, your vehicle is auctioned off at a charity auction and the sale of your vehicle can be added on your tax return.

Charities Accepting Vehicle Donations:

There are many legitimate nonprofit charities accepting vehicle donations such as Goodwill, Vietnam Veterans of America, Purple Heart Veterans and Cancer Research. Most vehicle donation processing centers accept vehicles nationwide. So it does not matter if you live in California or Maryland. Lastly, vehicle donations include a free tow.

Where Your Donated Vehicle Goes:

After you donate your vehicle to a charity, the vehicle is auctioned off to ones in need. Some families barely can afford one vehicle, but need to get a vehicle to help other family members get to work or school. Using the story mentioned above as an example, that vehicle is perfect for someone just trying to get a vehicle that can get them to work and back.

Helping Your Family Help Society:

For all the parents out there trying to work full time and raise a teenager; Good luck! It can be a great challenge to do what is best for them and put food on the table. However, keep your eyes open to opportunities to save time and teach to your child that helping society is truly honorable.

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.

What you need to know about Car Donations for Charities:

Car donations are 100% tax deductible. After filling out a car donation form, you will receive a receipt for your tax deduction. There are some cases where your tax deduction is greater then the value of your car!

Proceeds go to the Vietnam Veterans of America Charity. Many of the veterans that fought for our freedom are struggling with their health. With the rising healthcare costs, the end is not in sight. Car, truck and van donations will help veterans get back on their feet.

Cars for the needy: Your car donation will allow the less fortunate to get cars at a budget they can afford. Without methods of transportation, it can be a daily struggle to find a way to get to work.

Better for the Environment: instead of giving away your car to a junk or salvage yard, donate your vehicle to a reputable charity. There is always someone that will need a vehicle for transportation.

Auto Restorations and Collectors:
Often donated cars will catch the eye of auto mechanics and professional restorers as well. There are many car restorers that would love to get their hands on a sports car, no matter if it is running or not.

Unsure of what to do with your car:

Many wonder of what to do with their old car and may not want to pay for someone to toll it away. Many Veteran charities will tow your car away for free. So all you have to do is fill out a car donation form online and wait for your tax deduction.


Lastly, verify that the charity is approved by the IRS to receive car donations. If they are not approved by the IRS, your generous donation may end in the wrong hands.