OT: Car Donation

[t-gal]

Has anyone ever donated their car to a charitable organization? If so, which one? Looking for any tips.
Cheers,
T-Gal

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Yes, a number of years ago. I had a Mazda that I liked a good deal, unfortunately it was a lemon. Eventually - and not all that far into the life of the car - the engine failed - no compression for no obvious reason, according to the engine shop. Given a slew of previous problems, my mechanic recommended to not repair.

So we donated it to a charity that didn't care if they worked or not. Absolutely no hassle, a very easy process. Unfortunately, I don't remember the charity, but it was a "big" one.

 

[FairView]

About three years ago we donated a car to FAVARH, a local organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities. All it took was a single phone call and they took care of the rest. After the car was auctioned, I received a letter with the sale price as verification for tax purposes. It was painless and it made me feel good. I'd do it again. But, since I drive cars for a least 15 years before before breaking down to buy a new one, it will be some time before I've got a car ready to go.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I donated a 12-year old Accord to Salvation Army. They come and get it and don't care if it is running. They auction it and keep the proceeds. If you itemize deductions on your taxes, you can claim that amount. Salvation Army will send you documentation on the price.

There are a few organizations that take old cars and repair them. I'm not sure which orgs.

 

[TDiNozzo]

I have given five autos to Mothers Against Drunk Driving...MADD... was very easy, and unlike some of the other donation sites , I actually knew it was going to a real organization, not someones pocket...

 

[t-gal]

Thanks for all the help. Did some searching and I am going to donate the car to carsforustroops.org.

 

[Purduke]

Gave an old Peugeot to one of the national medical programs a decade or so ago. May have been the Heart people. Same impression as others -- they make it simple. If the deduction is important to you(and you itemize) scan the attached.

http://us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com/yhs...973&hspart=FreeCause&hsimp=yhs-shopathome_001

After I gave mine my sister gave hers to the local High School. I thought that was a pretty good idea. Shop teacher stopped over, looked at the car and told her he'd love to have it. Kids fix it up as part of class and then the school contributed it to a local family (that last part surprised me for insurance reasons, but she swore she saw it puttering around Simsbury that summer). Maybe another approach -- there is no deduction though.