Car Donation: Cancer

Car donations for charity

Have you ever considered donating a car to charity? Do you have a car that you no longer need? Maybe you've tried to sell it, but with our present economy, you haven't had any luck. You can put that used automobile to good work by donating your car to charity. Your car donation can help save lives and help end suffering. There are several reputable charities that accept an auto donation in their car donation programs.

Where to donate a car

I just found out about a great program that involves donating your car for the fight against cancer. That's right! A car donation for cancer. It’s called “Cars for a Cure,” and it’s hosted by the American Cancer Society. And it’s not just cars that are accepted. Most agencies also accept trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and even boats, as long as they’re on a trailer.

Car donation rules

To donate a car, there are a few car donation rules that apply. The vehicle must have inflated tires, a set of keys, and be in at least fair condition. Not only will you be helping others – your car donation will most likely be tax deductible! In fact, some people use a donate car, tax write off strategy for making the best use of an old car.

How does donating a car help?

What does the American Cancer Society do with all the car donations? Most of the time, they sell them at auction to the highest bidders. The money they get from car donations is used to fund research that will help find a cure for cancer that can save millions of lives. Part of the money also goes to education about cancer. A portion of the proceeds from the sales also helps fund patient service programs and advocacy. When a patient recieves a diagnosis of cancer, he or she is likely devastated, and so are their friends and family members. It's truly a life-altering experience. That's where education and patient services come into play. Knowledge helps victims of cancer feel more empowered, and the support services that are available also help victims and their families cope with having cancer. See how much donating your car can help?

How to donate your car

It’s easy to get involved. All you have to do is contact the American Cancer Society and tell them you want to donate a car or other vehicle for cancer. They’ll mail you an information packet and give you simple instructions on how to fill it out. Once everything is completed, the Cancer Society will find a vendor near you who will come pick the vehicle donation up after you and he arrange an appropriate time. You don’t have to deliver the vehicle – they come to you! They don't usually make you wait long, either.

Once your donated vehicle has been picked up, you’ll receive a Statement of Car Donation. When the car or other donated vehicle is sold by the American Cancer Society, you’ll receive a Statement of Receipt for the vehicle’s gross sale price. Take this information to your accountant for your donate automobile tax deduction. You'll benefit from the car donation tax write off. The charity will benefit from the proceeds. Cancer patients will benefit from your car donation. What's not to love?

Why car donations are important

I’ve lost a beloved family member to cancer, and I’ll bet you have, too. Just about every American has been touched by some form of cancer. And while great strides have been made with many types of cancers, the cure is still elusive. Auto donations can bring a cure that much closer!

This is very personal to me, not just because I lost an aunt to multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. I discovered last year that I have those cells, too. There’s no cure for multiple myeloma. I have to go every six months for tests to see if the cells are growing. It’s like living with a time bomb. I actually wrote an article about my experience. The link is below. I think I'll start a local crusade for this and call it Operation Car Donation Cancer!

The American Cancer Society’s motto for this program is “Help drive away cancer by donating your used car today.”

Good motto.

In addition to the American Cancer Society, many other charities also accept car donations, along with vehicle donation of used construction equipment, trucks, campers, boats, and motorcycles. Every organization has its own guidelines for vehicle donations to charity that they accept. Many are similar to those rules eastablished and followed by the Cancer Society, but a few are different. Some are not as strict and will accept cars that are not in running condition. Every charity I've read about, however, will pick up the vehicle from you, free of charge.

Just make sure your automobile is going to a reputable vehicle donation charity. As with just about anything else, there are a few scams out there. Surf the internet to find car charities that are approved by the IRS for car donations. That would be the best place to start looking for a car donation charity in your area.