One afternoon, after a play date, we heard that the mom of my son’s best friend had just gotten her car repossessed, and we felt sad and very anxious for her.  A single parent of three young children, she depended on that car to get to her job as an ER nurse, to get her kids to school – essentially to live independently.  No car meant no job, which meant possibly losing her apartment and ending up in a homeless shelter.  We have always known her to be a good mother and responsible person to her commitments and we knew the loss of her car was not from carelessness or overindulgence.

Even though my car was just a couple of years old, my long commutes to Pasadena for my work were taking a toll on my back and I was looking to upgrade to something  with more back support.  I was not in a hurry to do this, wanting to get a little more life out of this current Ford, but it had been crossing my mind.  That evening after dinner, I turned to my husband and said, “Is there any reason at all that we shouldn’t donate my car to charity for to benefit someone like our son’s best friend’s mom?”  His face lit up and had that grin that tells me we were both on the same page.  He said, “Absolutely no reason at all.”   We were referred to Cars 4 Causes because their Cars 4 Caring program has a reputation of making sure that donated vehicles get into the hands of those most in need.

Sure, we could have sold that car and pocketed the $20K.  But the truth is, we are doing fine.  And given that we are older parents who most likely will not live long enough to be grandparents, we didn’t want to miss the experience of being the ones who could give what it takes to help someone get through.  Giving a car to charity that will allow someone like our son’s best friend’s mom  to not have to worry about a car payment for the next 7 years or so, well, that was exactly the kind of “angels” we wanted to be.

Anonymous

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M. Smith

February 1, 2011

Team Cars 4 Causes volunteered to assist Habitat for Humanity in the construction of a custom home in Piru, California this past weekend.  It was a tremendous turn out on a sunny Saturday in southern California.  Honorary Team Cars 4 Causes member, Peter Livingston of Livingston Construction, his son Ian and his lead foreman Rafa, led the way for Team Cars 4 Causes, teaching team members the basics of home construction and providing guidance for those difficult tasks.

Normally, building a house is a daunting task; first you have to buy the land, hire an architect and engineer, draw up the plans to your new home, convince the city to give you permits, find a bank willing to finance your dream home and select a contractor that can see your project through and stay within your budget.   Millions of variables to stay on top of, any one of which can delay your home or blow your budget.

But as we found out here at Cars 4 Causes, a Habitat for Humanity house is different.  Sure the steps are the same, no cheating the system there, but the house is built from an environment of friendly, good-spirited collaboration, and it makes all the difference in the world.  The on-site vibe is fun and energetic.   People volunteer their time to help build these houses and you can feel the affinity volunteers have for their fellow crew members as well as the entire process itself.  There’s tolerance, patience and a helping hand at every turn.  These volunteers aren’t expert tradesmen, so when someone makes a mistake or doesn’t know what to do, everyone helps out to make sure the job gets done and the people doing it feel good about their contribution.

Our job today was to seal, caulk and paint the eaves of the house and install the siding on the home’s exterior.  Six of our team members worked on the siding and the remaining two accepted the task of caulking, sealing and painting the eaves.  Habitat for Humanity Site Manager, John Kestler gave us all instructions on safety and our specific tasks and sent us on our way.  There were a few challenging moments, a lot of questions for Peter, who guided us brilliantly through all the technical matters -  lots of laughs.  We had the privilege to work alongside the new owners who are required to contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” in their new home.  Having them there really personalized the experience for everyone.

I think it was Rudolf Steiner, speaking of biodynamic farming techniques, who pointed out that energy is an important ingredient that must be considered in the health of what we produce.   Having experienced what goes into a Habitat for Humanity home, I can see that all the fun,  laughs, love and positive energy that went into its construction is as  important a raw material as the concrete and lumber that make up this house.   I know now that this is the Habitat for Humanity difference.

The house we worked on belongs to Richard and Susan Vergana and their two daughters.  The Vergana’s are members of the Maximillian Kolbe Church in Westlake Village who is sponsoring the construction of the house.   Their new home is being built on a site that was once a 40-room hotel.   The site was demolished and construction began in nearly a year ago, in March.   Construction is expected to be completed in June of this year.

Because of the US recession and its impact on the construction industry, Habitat for Humanity has become the 5^th largest construction company in America.   However, their reliance upon construction industry contributions has been severely impacted and volunteers like Team Cars 4 Causes play a much larger role in the construction of a Habitat home than may have in the past.

All of us here at Cars 4 Causes are proud of our contribution to Habitat for Humanity and the Vergana family.   We are excited for the completion of the Piru house this summer and are sure the Vergana family will be happy living in their new home.

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1. Cars 4 Causes Partners with Team Gypsy Kids to Adopt 7 Ukrainian Children.

Pat Jessup

January 27, 2011

Angelina and Brad aren’t the only ones adopting kids these days.  Cars 4 Causes recently teamed up with Gypsy Kids and adopted 7 children from the Ukraine; Luli, Kati, Gabor, Misko, Norbi, Roman and Amanda. 

Ranging in age from 2 years to 8 years old, our Gypsy Kids are orphans who were left in the Mukachevo region of the Ukraine.  These children are abandoned and run loose in this region without parental care or supervision.  Team Gypsy Kids is a Christian based ministry who has set up a camp for these orphaned children.  They provide the kids with 2 meals a day, clothing and other basic needs.  Team Gypsy Kids ministry has also installed a flushing toilet and provided 2 working gas stoves to prepare meals. During the winter in Mukachevo, Ukraine the temperatures drop to -35 degrees, so they also provide jackets and clothing for these children.  

Cars 4 Causes has committed monthly financial support for these children and will be able to support their progress as Team Gypsy Kids helps to improve their lives. In addition to financial support, employees of Cars 4 Causes are donating jackets and clothing that can be delivered to our little ones in the Ukraine.

Currently, Team Gypsy Kids has about 160 gypsy orphans with about 65 sponsored. They need all the support they can get to provide meals and clothing to keep these children safe and warm!  If you to want to adopt a Gypsy Kid, it only takes about $1.00 per day to change their life.  Just visit the Team Gypsy Kids web-site at www.teamgypsykids.org to find out more.

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1. CARS 4 CAUSES® HOLDS 5TH ANNUAL KIDS ART CONTEST

January 25, 2011

Seems like just yesterday when we were handing out the awards to the children from last years art contest.

Another year, gone already?  Before you know it, we’ll be hosting our tenth art contest, my kids will want my car keys and I’ll be turning 30! ….o.k. 35, but a girl can dream!

But back to present day (whew!…..I feel better already).  This month Cars 4 Causes® held it’s 5^th Annual Kids Art Contest at the Santa Paula Elementary School District.  Six schools from the district participated and, at the contest awards ceremony last week, one winner was chosen from each grade 1 through 5.

This year, the police chief, fire chief and the former mayor/city council member were the honorable judges and it was no easy task.  I’ve been overseeing this contest for three years now and it seems like each year the submissions keep getting better and better.  This year was, by far, the best work ever; making our judges selections very difficult.

But in the end, it was the Glen City Elementary, 1^st grade; Barbara Webster Elementary, second grade; Blanchard Elementary, 3^rd grade; Glen City Elementary, 4^th grade; and Barbara Webster Elementary 5^th grade, all crowned the winners of this years contest.  READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Each student winner received an art kit.  Each winning students’ classroom was awarded $1,000 from Cars 4 Causes®.  And each winning students’ classroom chose an additional charity to receive $1,000 each.  Those charities chosen by the students were; SPIRIT of Santa Paula – Many Meals Project (chose twice); Assistance League School of Ventura County;  Make-a-Wish Foundation, Tri-Counties; and Locks of Love.

On behalf of Cars 4 Causes^® I would also like to thank the staff and teachers of the Santa Paula School District, as well as the parents of the students for their enthusiasm and support for this project.

Cars 4 Causes® 2011-2012 Sixth Annual Art Contest will take place within the Pleasant Valley School District.  This will include Camarillo Heights Elementary, Dos Caminos Elementary, El Descanso Elementary, La Mariposa Elementary, Las Posas Elementary, Rancho Rosal Elemantary and Tierra Linda Elementary.

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Most Money Raised To-Date; C4C Biggest Donor

P. Jessup, January 19. 2011

Everyone loves a party, right?  Especially, when you’re one the guest of honor…the attention, the accolades, the paparazzi…..After all, we do live in California, where “celebrity” is the unofficial state motto! 

But at the end of the day, there are some of us who are content just knowing that what we do helps those less fortunate and changes lives.  I am one of those people who love what we do here at Cars 4 Causes but have never relished the idea of being praised for it.  However, in the course of doing all this good work, it does feel nice to be recognized and appreciated for our efforts.

Last Thursday, Cars 4 Causes was one of three supporters who were honored for their respective contributions to the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk that was held on October 2, 2010.  So, humbly, I showed up to a small gathering in Thousand Oaks, California.  It was a beautiful setting held at the Oak View Retirement Community. The grounds were meticulously manicured, the room was warm and comfortable, the air was casual, the hor d’oeuvres were scrumptious and everyone was in good spirits. 

Cars 4 Causes was recognized for the efforts its volunteer group, Team Cars 4 Causes, contributed to the Memory Walk.  The team showed up to the event with the most team members and brought tremendous visibility to the Walk with over 40 participants, all synchronized in matching Team Cars 4 Causes hats and shirts.  You may recall from a the story posted on our website, that Team Cars 4 Causes raised more than $2,400 for the Alzheimer’s Walk and helped them surpass their fundraising goal of $50,000 for this event.  READ FULL STORY HERE.

On behalf of Cars 4 Causes I was presented with a certificate and beautifully engraved plaque memorializing Cars 4 Causes’ support for the Alzheimer’s Association.  I dedicated the plaque to all of the Team Cars 4 Causes members who showed up and contributed their time and money to make the 2010 Alzheimer’s Walk a success. I can’t help walking away from an event like this and not think to myself, “it sure feels good helping others.”

Related posts:

1. Cars 4 Causes Thanksgiving Food Drive

We noticed this ABC News investigative story about the Better Business Bureau and wanted to share it to keep you informed and safe.

Unfortunately, we’ve been at the receiving end of BBB’s unfair grading practices and we were shocked and disheartened when we discovered that no matter how much proof we provided to support our case for a better rating, the only thing they wanted was money!

So, we were so pleased to see this recent investigative news story expose some of these BBB practices, such as unethical pay-to-play procedures, and while the news may come as a surprise to consumers and is certainly very disappointing to all, we’re glad that these unethical practices have been exposed and we are looking forward to new changes in procedure to ensure accurate and trustworthy grades for businesses.

News Investigators began back in November when a 20/20 report showed how a group of Los Angeles business owners paid hundreds of dollars to buy BBB memberships for a number of fictitious firms.  The result: The L.A. BBB awarded an A- rating to a non-existent sushi restaurant and an A+ to a fake firm named after Stormfront, a white supremacist group.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL REPORT

The most recent ABC News investigation was based on these same allegations that the BBB is running a “pay-to-play” scheme for its grading procedure, wherein A+  ratings are given exclusively to businesses that pay for a BBB membership and businesses that do not become members are given lower grades.

In the 20/20 report, the ABC investigation showed how two small Los Angeles businesses, with an ABC News producer and camera present, were told by BBB telemarketers that their C grades could be raised to an A+ if they paid to join the BBB.  After one of these owners, the manager of an antique hardware story, paid the $565 membership fee the C grade was replaced with an A+ and the one complaint was wiped off the record.  Tsk tsk!

You can read more about the issue here:  ABC News BBB Investigation Story

And feel free to let us know your thoughts on the matter!

Cars 4 Causes

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By M.Smith

(Los Angeles, CA) December 25, 2010 – Cars 4 Causes®, the charity that gives to charities, today donated a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton car to Project: Hollywood Cares. The vehicle was then presented to the Morales family in a surprise Christmas day visit to their home in Hawthorne, California, home where Edgar and Wilma Morales, their nine-month old son, and a large gathering of close relatives had all assembled to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Sergeant Morales & family enjoy thier Christmas Day surprise from Cars 4 Causes and Project: Hollywood Cares.

“It was a wonderful moment,” said Matthew Smith, board member of Cars 4 Causes®, “Tom Fick of Project Hollywood Cares, our Executive Director, Pat Jessup and I met the Morales Family at their home and surprised them with our special gift. We wanted to honor Sergeant Morales for his service and sacrifice to our country.”  Now back in the US, Mr. Morales has a lengthy commute to Camp Pendleton everyday and with only one car, it was quite challenging for Mrs. Morales to take care of their 9 month old, manage the house and attend school where she is finishing her degree. “A second car is exactly what they needed to relieve the stress and burden of their hectic and demanding schedules,” said Mr. Smith.

Looking to donate the car to a veteran in need, Cars 4 Causes® sought out local military-focused charity, Project: Hollywood Cares, to source a deserving family for this special Christmas giveaway.  At 11am today in Hawthorne, California, Cars 4 Causes® and Project: Hollywood Cares surprised returning war veteran, Edgar Morales, with the new car at their home and a large stuffed puppy dog for their son.

Edgar, a Sergeant for the US Marine Corp, returned home in November after completing an extended tour in Afghanistan. With Edgar having a 4-hour daily commute to report to Camp Pendleton each day, his wife Wilma in school finishing her degree, a new baby at home and only one vehicle between them, the Morales’ were very much in need of reliable transportation.

“I can’t believe this surprise on Christmas Day! I am shocked and so grateful for this car,” said Edgar Morales, Sergeant in the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Supply division at Camp Pendleton. “Thank you very much to Cars 4 Causes® and Project: Hollywood Cares.  This car is perfect and it will be a huge help to me and my family.”

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Project:  Hollywood Cares to give this great vehicle to the deserving and gracious Morales family on Christmas Day,” said Patti Palmer, President of Cars 4 Causes®. “A main focus of Cars 4 Causes® is to ensure that help goes where it is needed, so to see this final outcome of people’s charity is what it’s all about at the end of the day. This is a very fulfilling way for us to end the year, and also encouraging for continuing our hard work in 2011.”

Cars 4 Causes®, America’s first vehicle donation charity, accepts donations of all vehicles – cars, boats, motorcycles, and RV’s – expertly evaluates each donation and, if cost effective makes necessary repairs in order to sell the vehicle while ensuring the highest tax deduction value and net proceeds to charity.  A select number of vehicles are donated each year directly to families in need through the Cars 4 Causes® Give-Away Program, as is the case with the Morales family.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to have worked with Cars 4 Causes® to surprise a wonderful family in need with the car on Christmas Day,” said Tom Fick, founder of Project: Hollywood Cares. “Over the last 6 years since I began Project: Hollywood Cares, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people in need and many charitable individuals willing to lend a hand.  In this case, Cars 4 Causes® was the perfect fit for the Morales family, and I look forward to more initiatives like this to support our soldiers and veterans.”

Project: Hollywood Cares distributes products of the entertainment industry, such as DVDs of popular movies, to deployed troops, wounded soldiers in military hospitals and the surviving spouse & children of fallen heroes in efforts to support America’s military personnel for their dedicated service and sacrifice. As the charity grows through various partnerships and greater awareness, expanded programs of special projects, events, outings and hospital visits begin to offer additional support to the mission.

To see how you can help through these charities, please visit www.cars4causes.net and www.projecthollywoodcares.org.

About Cars 4 Causes®

Originally founded in 1997 by concerned parents to support education for children with disabilities, Cars 4 Causes® is a 501(c)(3) charity that accepts vehicle donations, evaluates and makes cost-effective repairs if warranted, sells them to consumers and dealers, and then donates the proceeds to the charity of the donors’ choosing. Using three main areas of sale – retail, wholesale, and clean air, Cars 4 Causes® is able to receive the highest return on vehicle donation in the industry. Since its founding, Cars 4 Causes® has received over $100 million in donations from over 150,000 vehicles, and has shared proceeds with over 15,000 charities.

About Project: Hollywood Cares

Project: Hollywood Cares is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation supported by concerned citizens, veterans, volunteers and entertainment industry professionals. It’s threefold mission is designed to boost morale, express gratitude and improve quality of life military issues while supporting America’s service personnel presently tasked with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan & Iraq, help wounded soldiers rehabilitating in military hospitals and provide financial support & assistance to the surviving spouse and children of our fallen heroes killed in action. PHC’s detailed command support program provides large entertainment libraries that include the four major products of Hollywood, (Emmy nominated television programs, feature films, music CDs and video games). The charity conducts a wide program of visits, outings, events and special projects in support of active duty personnel, military families and rehabilitating wounded soldiers.

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1. Cars 4 Causes Thanksgiving Food Drive
2. Car Giveaway Program Helps Young Women Gain Independence

The food drive was held from October 25^th to November 19^th, with drop boxes located at County Commerce Bank locations throughout Ventura, as well as Cars 4 Causes^® headquarters.  We worked in conjunction with Project Understanding because they have a great operation that makes sure those in need receive emergency food supplies when needed.

Team Cars 4 Causes^® members gathered all of the overflowing drop boxes and, together with our executive director, Pat Jessup, delivered them to Project Understanding, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Rob Orth, Executive Director of Project Understanding met Team Cars 4 Causes^® at the entrance to the Food Pantry where staff members from both organizations unloaded the food items and together stocked the Project Understanding shelves in anticipation of their holiday need.

“People in need come directly to the food pantry. They go through a brief interview process so that we can understand their need for emergency food. They usually receive enough food to last three or four days,” explained Mr. Orth, as he gave a warm and hear-felt “Thank You” to Cars 4 Causes^® and all the Team Members.

While we were stocking the shelves a young mother with 4 small children were receiving their emergency food supply. The biggest thanks was to actually see how our hard work and donation is used to directly help those in need during this holiday season.

Team Cars 4 Causes® is a dedicated group of caring employees and volunteers that come together to support local charitable causes.  Another way Cars 4 Causes^® gives back to the community.

Cars 4 Causes®, “The Charity That Gives to Charities,”^® is America’s first vehicle donation charity. We are America’s most trusted and recognized choice for turning your vehicle donation into cash for charity. Since 1997, we have received over 150,000 vehicle donations; raised more than $100 million; and shared proceeds with more than 15,000 charities, schools and/or religious organizations throughout the United States. So what are you waiting for? Make a car donation today!

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1. WAR VETERAN RECEIVES CHRISTMAS DAY SURPRISE

Car Given to Friends and Families Together for Alice's House

One of our most rewarding experiences here at Cars 4 Causes® is handing over the keys to one of our vehicle donation to an individual or family in need. To see the joy and appreciation on the faces of our Car Give Away Program recipients and to know that our programs make a difference in so many lives always reminds us that “It Feels Good Helping Others”®.

Our most recent Car Give Away Program recipient was one of our charity partners, Kids & Families Together(www.kidsandfamilies.org) for the benefit of their Alice’s House Program.

Alice’s House is a wonderful program that provides a cooperative living home for young women who have “aged out” of the foster care system. It was named after Alice McGrath, a neighbor and dear friend of Kids & Families Together, who has been internationally recognized for her work in social justice. Alice’s daughter created Alice’s House in order to provide emancipated youth a home at very low rent.

Kids & Families Together requested a van or SUV to transport Alice’s House residents to important places, like medical appointments, job interviews and FOOD share pick- ups.  Cars 4 Causes® was able to provide them with a 1997 Mercury Villager, which turned out to be exactly what they needed.

It is our hope that this new van will help these young women take advantage of every opportunity presented to them. We wish the residents of Alice’s House the best of luck, and are honored to be able to support the good work of Kids & Families Together and their Alice’s House project.

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1. WAR VETERAN RECEIVES CHRISTMAS DAY SURPRISE

Goodwill Industries® is an amazing organization that does so much good and yet they still appreciate every small act of kindness that they receive. The donation of time, money or a vehicle is wonderful because is shows concern for the community and generosity. Don’t let your old beat up car become and eyesore for the community and a roadblock in your driveway. Donate you car and give it a chance to be useful again whether that’s through someone’s repair or by being salvaged for parts. Your vehicle donation will go a long way to do a lot of good. The car donation process just takes a few minutes and you’ll be one step closer to being rid of that old unwanted car. Make the decision to donate your vehicle to charity and you’ll be very pleased with the result as will your neighbors and the members of your community that depend on and benefit from these programs.

Source: http://www.goodwillri.org/motorcyclerun.htm

The economy is getting better but we’ve got a long way to go and some areas are still really feeling the recession meaning that jobs are hard to keep and much harder to come by.

The proceeds from your donated car will go towards skills and training classes that will allow people to get the assistance they need to become competitive in the job market. This will improve the quality of their lives as well as your community as a whole. Don’t delay donate your car today and really make a difference. Plus you’ll be ridding yourself of an old outdated car that you don’t use anymore and disposing of it in a way that’s good for you, the environment your community and your taxes. That’s right. Not only do the proceeds from your car donation go towards beneficial community programs that same amount also goes towards a very beneficial tax deduction for you. Doing a good deed usually comes back to you so position yourself to receive some good fortune and donate your car to charity today.

Source: http://www.goodwilldetroit.org/services/automotive.aspx

Goodwill Industries® relies heavily upon donations of all kinds however, car donations are a great and fast way to bring in much needed revenue. The process is pretty simple you call in or go online and donate your car and the proceeds from your donated car are put toward job skills and training. Plus you get the added benefit of being able to use your vehicle donation as a tax deduction. So it turns out it pays to do good things after all. Your old unwanted car can become a useful skills class for a young student looking for direction or even a second chance for someone trying to get back into the workforce. When someone makes the decision to donate a car they’re helping themselves, their taxes, the earth and their community. Car donations are especially appreciated by your local chapter because in some cases the vehicles go to auction and are sold to someone in need of an affordable and reliable vehicle. Make one small action have a lot of positive affects and donate a car today!

Source: http://www.goodwilldenver.org/news/detail/2956

When you donate a car you’re doing more than just earning a tax break you’re helping someone earn a living. Summer is a season of fun and relaxation so why not let go of that old unwanted vehicle by donating your car to charity. You’ll be able to relax and have no worries of hidden fees or trying to sell the vehicle and you’ll help but someone back to work this summer. The tools and training that people learn through participating in these programs is invaluable and you can make some one’s dream of employment or a better job a reality when you make a car donation to Goodwill®.

Goodwill Industries® takes donated cars and either sells them at auction or recycles the donated vehicle and the proceeds come back to that local branch and are used for job skills and training programs in the community that chapter services. Your donated car can help someone in your community get a   job and improving their quality of living. Vehicle donation plays a significant role in funding the resources necessary to keep many of Goodwill Industries’ programs going. Not only is important to help your fellow man it’s also important to maintain and appreciate our natural resources. So instead of junking your old car and allowing it to rot away and further damage our planet donate a car to Goodwill Industries®where it will either be sold or properly recycled. Don’t let your old unwanted car collect dust and who knows what else in your garage or driveway donate your car to Goodwill Industries® and do the world a little bit of good.

Source: http://www.goodwillcfl.org/page.cfm/section/news/#58

Some of the other subpoenaed charities are Bless the Kids, Kars 4 Kids, and Lechaim for Life.

Full article, http://www.adi-news.com/16-car-donation-charities-gets-sued/21575/

Full story here: http://driving.myfoxwausau.com/news_this_week/2010-05-26-4613-driving/

More than fifty people are the proud graduates and recipients of job certificates form the Goodwill Industries^® of Southern Piedmont’s job training program. It is estimated that more than have of the graduates will find employment within three months. The program is open to all that would like to enroll and offers training in hospitality and tourism, construction and banking as well as customer service. In recent years the enrollment numbers have more than doubled undoubtedly due to the extremely competitive job market brought on by the struggling economy. Goodwill^® is helping these people acquire new skills that will make them qualified candidates for many of the jobs that are in demand today. Another kind of program offered by Goodwill^® is the car donation program. This program uses donated cars that are still running as transportation for those in need and cars that aren’t running are normally used for parts.

The face of participants in this and similar programs is also changing. Though Goodwill’s^® programs are dedicated to helping the disadvantaged and disabled become prepared to enter the workforce as viable job candidates, a growing number of people are coming out of retirement in order to make ends meet and are finding that they need new skills. Such was the case for Linda Lorde who just graduated from Goodwill’s^® job training program with a certificate in hospitality and tourism and hopes to find employment in that field. Stories like hers are becoming more common each day and with the help of people who donate a car to charity which help provide funding these programs can continue.

Goodwill^® in Washington, D.C. has seen such a steady increase in revenue and customers that it has decided to open a new store in the metropolitan area. Spendthrifts aren’t limited to clothes and other household items; people are looking to save money in every way possible including donating their cars.

Many people donate a car after they get a new car or decide the old one is no longer worth the repairs or they may just simply not be able to do it themselves. Those donated cars make there way to families in need of a reliable mode or transportation, people interested in fixing up a classic and those looking for a decent car at a discounted price. Donated cars that can’t be resold are recycled where the parts are put to good use and the proceeds go to Goodwill^®.

Goodwill^® uses the funds from car donations to create and expand programs geared toward helping the disabled and disadvantaged gain knowledge and skills that will help them become competitive members of the workforce. Goodwill ^®also has programs aimed at giving people financial advice. These programs teach people to become financially informed leading them to make better decisions that will hopefully lead them to financial independence. People who don’t otherwise have access to these services depend on charities like Goodwill^® for assistance. In order to be able to continue to offer these programs Goodwill^® depends on the proceeds of car and other donations to sustain them.

Your car donation can help Goodwill^® to continue offering programs geared toward Spanish speakers to help them learn English and overcome cultural differences that can limit their progress in the workforce. There are reading programs for people that speak English as a second language as well as vocational programs. Some even have employees trained in sign language in both English and Spanish. These programs are aimed at helping Latinos develop the necessary skills to grow in the workplace.

In order for these programs to continue they need funding and you can help. Donating your car is a quick and almost effortless way to keep these programs going. The proceeds from your donated car can help sustain programs that help Spanish speakers gain the skills they need to flourish in an English speaking workforce. There are also Spanish speaking employees able to take your car donation.

Since Goodwill^® has been in existence it has helped immigrants from all over the world looking for work find jobs. Your car donation can continue that tradition. An old vehicle that isn’t running can’t do much good but a donated car can go quite a long way towards improving the quality of life of many disadvantaged and disabled people.

Goodwill^® offers financial advice online and locally. All you have to do is contact your local Goodwill to receive help with everything from taxes to creating a savings plan. In addition Goodwill^® provides jobs for those who are disabled and disadvantage in order to help them gain the necessary skills to become viable members of the workforce.

Car donations are a large part of makes these programs possible. A process as simple as calling in or submitting an internet car donation can help someone down on their luck get back on their feet. Donating a car can also help you get a break on your taxes for doing something good. Not to mention you can also get tax advice from Goodwill^® as well.

Even the company that you work for can get a tax break through Goodwill’s^® car donation program for donating a car that’s no longer used. All you have to do is provide the company name and tax identification number. Company vehicles tend to be in better shape and have a better chance of being resold and bringing in more funds that can go towards building better relationships with local businesses to help create jobs and training programs. Donate your personal or company car and make a difference.

The Goodwill^®  website also has links to other sites like thebeehive.org that gives users valuable information and tips on how to manage their finances, healthcare and education costs. Goodwill^®  even works with people who already have jobs and are trying to acquire skills that will help them advance in the workplace.

We take donated cars in any condition and put them to good use. The funds from these donated cars go toward sustaining programs that provide people with access to resources that will help them develop the necessary skills to join and thrive the workforce, giving them a since of purpose and belonging in society.

Everyone wants to feel as though they are contributing and the best place to start is by working. Your car donation can help give someone that feeling of productivity. Goodwill Industries^® is committed to helping them do just that. Donated cars that are running depending upon the location may even go to the wheels to work program which helps working families get their own transportation thus giving them greater independence. So your car donation could help a single mom get back to work or provide someone who is disabled with their very first job which can also improve your community. Donate your car today and make a difference.

Zaira endured a painful and abusive childhood before she immigrated to the United States in 1995. Forced to continue living with a neglectful and demeaning parent, she was left feeling discouraged, unsupported and completely alone. She had nearly lost hope by the time she was placed in the foster care system.

It was at this point that Zaira’s life drastically changed for the better. She made her way through grade school, graduated high school, and is now in college, working towards becoming a Registered Nurse.

“I was on my journey to become someone”, she says. ”So far, I am doing excellent….For the past years, I have had many obstacles, but I have never given up and I never will.”

Zaira didn’t just believe in herself, she put in the work, and it has paid off in a big way. One obstacle that Zaira couldn’t overcome alone though was her lack of transportation.  She saved money and bought herself a car, but the cost of continually having to pay for repairs quickly became too cumbersome, and the car eventually ceased to work.

Cars 4 Causes® was happy to help. We provided Zaira with a 2003 Toyota Corolla. It’s our hope that, with the help of her new car, she will be able to continue to thrive in school and in life, and continue to meet her goals and fulfill her dreams. Make a car donation today!

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We take donated cars in any condition and put them to good use. The funds from these donated cars go toward sustaining programs that provide people with access to resources that will help them develop the necessary skills to join and thrive the workforce, giving them a since of purpose and belonging in society.

Everyone wants to feel as though they are contributing and the best place to start is by working. Your car donation can help give someone that feeling of productivity. Goodwill Industries^® is committed to helping them do just that. Donated cars that are running depending upon the location may even go to the wheels to work program which helps working families get their own transportation thus giving them greater independence. So your car donation could help a single mom get back to work or provide someone who is disabled with their very first job which can also improve your community. Donate your car today and make a difference.

So after a bit of searching through our database of supported charities, we happened upon Project Linus, a charity that gives new, handmade blankets and afghans made by volunteers to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

It was a perfect match. The staff at Cars 4 Causes ® is a creative bunch with a serious knack for arts and crafts. We ended up making six blankets for Project Linus, all of which were not only warm and functional but absolutely adorable.

As The Charity That Gives To Charities®, Cars 4 Causes ® has always embraced the concept of helping others as one of our core values. But it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life.  And we’re not just employees, we’re community members.

Whether you volunteer, give financial support or donate car, you truly can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. In the spirit of giving, especially in light of recent events, Cars 4 Causes ® encourages everyone to do what they can to make a difference, and help others in their times of hardship. Make a car donation today!

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He worked hard to raise the funds to purchase a 1941 Studebaker Champion Coupe, which he intended to fix up as a project car. On Wednesday evening, January 6^th 2010, according to witnesses, it was stolen right out of the driveway!

Barry posted an ad on Craigslist, http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/1544223163.html, offering a $1000 reward to the person who leads to the recovery of the car.

“Help me find this Car !… This is a Lousy feeling… Imagine if you had worked very hard for something for a Long time, and some low life takes it away from you !… I feel like my child has been kidnapped…”

While Cars 4 Causes®is a national charity, we never forget our roots or our neighbors. We’re helping to spread the word about Barry’s car, and hoping that everyone’s efforts will get it returned to its rightful owner. We’re asking that everyone in the Ventura County area keep an eye out for Barry’s car, and contact Barry at 805-218-3658 if you see the car or have any information that could lead to its recovery. It’s a very unique car, and there are currently no cars like it in Ventura County, so if you see it, don’t hesitate to call.

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Since its founding in 1902, Goodwill’s® mission has been to find work for the disabled and disadvantaged. Edgar J. Helms salvaged discarded household items from the wealthy with the purpose of giving the poor the opportunity to work, repairing them for resale. It was the start of what is now the Goodwill® Stores, and today they still provide employment for thousands of people. Though they still actively seek clothing and household items donated by the public, Goodwill® also works with vehicle donation to fund their life changing programs. Goodwill® programs are continually funded by people who are able to donate a car to charity. When you donate a used car to Goodwill®, the car that no longer served a purpose for you takes on great meaning as a car donation. Your vehicle donation provides funding for a number of Goodwill’s® services such as occupational skills training, career placement and specialized skills such as handling finances and day care. Auto donation enables Goodwill® to help people beyond finding a job so that they can learn to juggle their employment and life obligations. When you donate a car that can be used, your car donation may be used for their Wheels to Work program, a program that helps people find affordable transportation. Your auto donation means the difference between someone struggling to get to work or being independent of public transportation.

http://www.goodwill.org/my-story/brian-edwards/

Goodwill® understands that for people who have been incarcerated it will be even harder to find a job and re-enter public life. The incarcerated who have been released often face barriers such as illness, debt and limited work options because they have a criminal background. Goodwill® finds that second chance for these people and when you donate a car to Goodwill your car donation is that second chance. Your auto donation helps men, women and young people who have served their time get their life back on track. Vehicle donation helps Goodwill® provide specific services that people who have been incarcerated need to break those barriers to find work and begin a new life. Your donated auto funds a pre-release service that helps Goodwill® help people while they are still incarcerated so that they can get a head start before they are released. Auto donation also provides GED and ESL classes so that Goodwill® can help those who missed out on getting their diploma and those who face a language barrier. Your car donation not only provides occupational skill training, but life skills such as parenting, relationship and communication skills helping them make their re-entry into public life a success. If you were ever given a second chance and would like to do the same for someone else, donate a car to Goodwill® and help someone with a past get a chance to build a future.

When Goodwill® founder Edgar J. Helms began his mission, he simply wanted to find a means of providing work for the poor. He began his mission simply collecting discarded household items from the trash of the wealthy and hiring the poor to repair the items. The items were resold in what are now known as the Goodwill® stores. Today Goodwill® remains true to Helms’ mission in providing training employment and career services to the disabled and disadvantaged, and car donation plays a role in funding these services. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your vehicle donation helps Goodwill® meet the diverse needs of the people who come through their doors. Despite the economic downturn, Goodwill’s® training programs and their ability to find out where opportunity lies has helped many people find and keep jobs. With so many people coming to Goodwill® to get back to work, they are in need of people who can donate a car. Your auto donation will help Goodwill® continue to provide their training and careers services so that they can continue to help more people get back to work and on the road to financial independence.

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20091230/TRIBUNETIMES/912300307/1071/YOURUPSTATE02/Goodwill-helps-residents-with-jobs

When someone comes through the doors of Goodwill® they are usually in need of training so they can find a job. Goodwill® began its mission more than a century ago when its founder, Edgar J. Helms, began collecting discarded household items from the trash of wealthy people. He then hired the poor to repair the items to be sold in what are now known as the Goodwill® stores. Goodwill® stores still depend on the donations people bring to them to stock their stores that provide employment for the people they train. But the people who come to Goodwill® in need of training and a job don’t all get placed in retail positions at Goodwill®. Goodwill® also works with auto donation to fund their mission. Vehicle donation helps fund training programs in an array of fields such as banking, IT and healthcare. Besides the initial training and securing of a job, Goodwill® continues to work closely with the people they place by providing assistance in managing finances, child care and more. When you donate a car to Goodwill® your vehicle donation may provide funds to keep training programs accessible or even provide transportation to someone who would otherwise be unable to get to work. Goodwill® also operates the Wheels to Work program, a program that needs people who can donate a car to charity. Your donated auto may provide affordable transportation to someone who would not be able to afford a car otherwise. Vehicle donation helps the people who Goodwill® place in jobs maintain their job with a steady source of transportation.

Connecting across the globe isn’t new to Goodwill®. Many of the agencies that were first formed in the seventies across the world are still operating today. Though their oldest international member, Instituto de Buena Voluntad, was founded in 1925, well before vehicle donation became an instrumental part of fundraising for Goodwill®, car donation is relied on today to help Goodwill® continue their mission both here and abroad. Today there are thirteen organizations around the world that proudly call themselves Goodwill® and auto donation will help Goodwill® continue to bring their mission to other international organizations. These international organizations are working hard to follow Goodwill’s® founding mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities. For every person who can donate a car to charity such as Goodwill®, their car donation helps build stronger, independent people. Goodwill’s® vehicle donation program makes it easy for anyone to support a worthy cause and extend a helping hand to people across the globe. Your car donation today will help Goodwill’s® mission travel further across the globe tomorrow.

Goodwill® has been providing training, employment and career services to the disabled and disadvantaged community, and auto donation is another resource that makes it possible for them to meet many diverse needs. Goodwill® believes that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their potential. When you donate a car to Goodwill® you are helping Goodwill® extend their hand to people who want to work but need the proper training. Your car donation means that people who go to Goodwill® for the tools and resources they need to support their families can rely on Goodwill® to be there for them. Though this time of the year is often thought of as the season of good will, Goodwill® relies on people who can donate a car to charity all year long. Your one time vehicle donation helps Goodwill® teach people how to conquer poverty, lack of education and homelessness for a life time. With so many people facing barriers to employment, Goodwill® is working to help each person that walks in their doors get the training they need to secure a job and build a future. Even if you have felt the pinch of the holiday season, you can help someone else plan for a brighter new year and future when you donate a car you no longer need.

Goodwill’s® mission of providing work for the disadvantaged and disabled continues to be at the forefront of everything they do. Today they face the challenges of providing those services for the thousands of men and women who are returning from service in Iraq. Just as providing training and employment for people has always been their mission, Goodwill® has been depending on auto donation to find their services. What started as a way to help the American people, accepting car donations during the second nation wide oil embargo, has become a valuable source of funding for Goodwill®. Your auto donation to a Goodwill® in your community can help the veterans from your own neighborhood as they begin their journey toward building a life after service. When you donate a used car to Goodwill® your used car provides a new life for the men and women who have served this country. Car donation enables Goodwill® to not only provide training and employment to veterans but a variety of services designed to help them strengthen their families too. What better time is there than the holiday season to show appreciation for all the veterans have done for you? When you call Goodwill® and say ’Donate my car’ your car donation is the perfect way to say ‘thank you’ to the veterans in your own community.

Since its inception in 1998, the Cars 4 Causes Clean Air Program® has allowed donors to make a positive impact on the health of our environment through generous car donations of their older, less fuel efficient vehicles while simultaneously generating a much needed financial benefit for thousands of charitable organizations throughout the United States.

We’ve gathered some current statistics to give you a better idea of what the Cars 4 Causes Clean Air Program® is doing, and what you can do to help.

• According to the Carbon Fund Organization, unleaded gasoline has 19.56 lbs CO2/gallon.

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average U.S. car usage is 12,000 miles per year.

• While the Environmental Protection Agency’s reports, states that the overall average fuel economy for passenger vehicles of 20.3 mpg. We feel the recent Cash for Clunkers program is more representative of the type of car that we send to our Clean Air Program®. Therefore, according to http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot13309.htm, the average mpg of a Cash for Clunkers trade-in was 15.8 mpg.

• According to http://www.carbonfootprint.com/plantingtrees.html, an average tree offsets 1 ton of CO2 in its lifetime (100 years)

Based on these assumptions, the average donated car emits nearly 15,000 lbs, (or 7.5 tons) of CO2 every year.  In 2009 alone, Cars 4 Causes®received a total of 3,110 car donations that were sent to its Clean Air Program®, and we’ve recycled a total of 36,692 cars since the Clean Air Program® ‘s inception.

That means we’ve kept over 46 million lbs (23,000 tons) of CO2 from entering the atmosphere in 2009. Since we started, the Cars 4 Causes Clean Air Program® has kept over 545 million lbs of CO2 per year from entering the atmosphere!

These numbers are staggeringly large, but to put it into perspective, it would take almost 272,000 trees 100 years to offset that amount of carbon!

While you may not be able to plant eight trees every year to offset your carbon footprint, you can certainly donate your car to Cars 4 Causes, and put an end to those emissions for good.

Cars 4 Causes®has always made an effort to improve the health of the environment. We recognize the need for a simple, cost effective way to reduce CO2 emissions, and we are thankful for the awareness that the recent conference has brought to this issue.  We hope that more people will realize the need to reduce these harmful emissions and chose donate car to Cars 4 Causes Clean Air Program® as an easy, proven solution to this global problem.

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Vehicle donation programs have become an important part of Goodwill’s® resources as they strive to continue the work they do. Goodwill® is the leader in providing training, employment and career services to the disabled and disadvantaged community. When you donate a used car to Goodwill® your car donation provides the funds that help Goodwill® train people who come through their doors in search of work. Once they have completed a training program, Goodwill® helps place them in a job that suits their skills and needs. Goodwill’s® services extend beyond training and employment as they also assist people with day care needs, financial issues and more. Just as the Goodwill® stores depend on clothing donations, auto donation provides Goodwill® Career Centers with valuable funding. When you donate a car to Goodwill® you give someone else the opportunity to fulfill their potential and you save yourself time trying to sell your unwanted car. This holiday season you can check at least one item off your ‘to do’ list with ease when you donate a car to Goodwill®.

Goodwill® is about helping people build a better life and in turn strengthening their families. Strong families help make communities strong and without vehicle donation, the one hundred sixty-six independent community based Goodwills® would not be able to reach out into their communities. Vehicle donation helps Goodwill® continue to offer the valuable job training programs that they provide to people who have disabilities, lack education or face any employment challenge. Upon completing any of Goodwill’s&3174; training programs, Goodwill® helps people find jobs within their communities. Communities benefit from Goodwill’s® training as local businesses and merchants find qualified people to work for them. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your car donation may be helping someone in your own community find employment locally. At a time when many communities are watching people lose their homes, Goodwill® is still helping people get the training they need to work and live in their communities. Though monetary donations are dwindling, auto donation has made it possible for Goodwill® to continue doing the work they do. For people who have a car they no longer want or need, it is easy and fast to donate a car to Goodwill® and help turn their community around.

For immigrants who are searching for help finding a job, Goodwill® Career Centers offer Spanish speaking employees to assist in translation. For hearing impaired persons who also lacks English language skills, many Goodwill® Career Centers have an employee who is trained not only in ASL but able to sign in Spanish as well. Lack of English language skills isn’t a problem since many training classes at Goodwill® are taught by bilingual instructors. Goodwill’s® classes in reading and ESL prepare people new to the U.S. so that they can find a job and communicate with their colleagues. And if Goodwill® cannot give someone the services they need, they can point them in the right direction to find them. In order to continue reaching out to the immigrants who come to this country desiring to work, Goodwill® depends on people who can donate a car to charity. Vehicle donation makes it possible for Goodwill® to offer all of these services to the people who need them. Your auto donation helps Goodwill® create job opportunities for people from foreign lands who want to be a part of the American way of life. With your auto donation Goodwill® not only helps with training and employment but is able to help immigrants navigate the U.S. immigration system. Vehicle donation has helped Goodwill® open their arms to the thousands of immigrants who come to this country in search of a better life. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your car donation is one way of making someone feel at home.

Goodwill® has been the leader in training, employment and career services for over a century. Meeting the demands of thousands of people who come through the door of Goodwill® seeking training to help them find a job requires a steady flow of funds. It has become harder to meet that demand as more people find themselves in need of help due to the economic downturn. Vehicle donation has become a valuable source of donation money for Goodwill®. Many people who find themselves with an unwanted car would like to donate a car to charity but are unsure about how to go about it. Auto donation takes little time and gives so much to Goodwill®. Thanks to auto donation, Goodwill® can offer a variety of training programs that meet the goals and abilities of the disabled and disadvantaged community. Once they have completed a Goodwill® training program, many people find work in the field of their choice or right within the heart of Goodwill® in a Goodwill® store or working in customer service. With your car donation Goodwill® is able to continue its mission that began as helping the poor find gainful employment and now encompasses teaching life skills like financial management as well as help finding day care. Today you can shop or donate a car to Goodwill® - either way you can brighten the holidays for someone else.

How has car donation helped Goodwill®? In 2008, one point five million people benefited from Goodwill’s® career services. Every forty-two seconds someone walks through the doors of Goodwill® and in 2008 that added up to more than one hundred seventy-two thousand people being placed in jobs. With so many people in need of employment, especially during tough economic times, your car donation helps keep funding Goodwill’s® vital training and job placement services. If you are interested in helping a good cause but curious as to how much of your donation goes to the actual cause, Goodwill® is proud to say that eighty-four percent of donations go directly to their programs. So when you donate a car to Goodwill®, the money generated from your vehicle donation goes directly to the people who need it most. With more than twenty-three hundred Goodwill® stores, car donation ensures that many of the people Goodwill® trains will find employment within the heart of Goodwill®. At a time when funds are short and demands are high, car donation continues to help Goodwill® do what they do best - provide the training people need to get the job that helps them gain independence.

What Edgar Helms set out to do more than a hundred years ago, creating an opportunity for the poor to obtain work, continues to be the mission of Goodwill® today. Goodwill® stores across the country offer employment opportunities for the very people they offer job training to. Beyond that, Goodwill’s® job training programs encompass numerous career fields and car donation ensures free job training to the disabled as well as disadvantaged community. If you find yourself with an unwanted car and can donate a car to charity, your auto donation helps someone get the training they need to compete in today’s job market. Goodwill® knows how important computer skills are and car donation helps Goodwill® provide the latest computer training. Computer training somewhere else may caught thousands of dollars, but with your car donation, Goodwill® can offer valuable training free to people like Shell Richardson who are starting over and looking for a better opportunity for their future.

http://www.goodwill.org/my-story/shell-richardson/

What Edgar Helms set out to do more than a hundred years ago, creating an opportunity for the poor to obtain work, continues to be the mission of Goodwill® today. Goodwill® stores across the country offer employment opportunities for the very people they offer job training to. Beyond that, Goodwill’s® job training programs encompass numerous career fields and car donation ensures free job training to the disabled as well as disadvantaged community. If you find yourself with an unwanted car and can donate a car to charity, your auto donation helps someone get the training they need to compete in today’s job market. Goodwill® knows how important computer skills are and car donation helps Goodwill® provide the latest computer training. Computer training somewhere else may caught thousands of dollars, but with your car donation, Goodwill® can offer valuable training free to people like Shell Richardson who are starting over and looking for a better opportunity for their future.

http://www.goodwill.org/my-story/shell-richardson/

Like Houston, many cities and towns across the country are seeing an increase in homelessness. That increase includes individuals, families who have lost their homes to foreclosure and veterans who have returned home to a diminished job market. Goodwill® has been the leading force in bringing training, employment and career services to the disabled and disadvantaged community. More veterans are coming in through the doors of Goodwill® centers across the country, and Goodwill’s® need for funds has increased accordingly. Vehicle donation is an ideal way of raising funds at a time when organizations everywhere are feeling the pinch of the economy. For people who have a car they no longer need, car donation is an easy way to get rid of that car and help someone in need. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your car donation goes a long way in helping Goodwill® reach out and serve those who have served our country. With a car donation, Goodwill® can offer veterans training for jobs where there are opportunities for employment. With the right training and a good job, veterans can build a home for themselves and get off the streets. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your car donation helps them break the homelessness cycle and help veterans get off the streets and rebuild their lives.

http://www.impactnews.com/northwest-houston/329-nonprofit-profile/6470-goodwill-industries-of-houston

Clothing and household donations are always appreciated by Goodwill®. The donations of unwanted household items and their subsequent repair by people in need of work is how Goodwill® got its start. Today Goodwill® continues to train and employ people in Goodwill® stores across the country. When you donate a car to Goodwill®, your vehicle donation not only provides funds to keep Goodwill® going, but provides affordable transportation for those who would otherwise not be able to maintain employment. Goodwill® has been working with auto donation for more than thirty years. Your car donation supports the training, employment and career services that people get when they walk in the doors of Goodwill®. That car that you no longer need can be a gift to someone in need of affordable transportation. When you donate a car to Goodwill® your car donation puts someone in need behind the wheel and on their way to steady employment. You may take the convenience of car ownership for granted, but your car donation to Goodwill® truly makes a difference.

If you are looking for a good cause to donate your unwanted car to, you can donate a car to Goodwill® and know that you are helping people better their lives. Vehicle donation is a vital source of funding for Goodwill® that helps them continue to provide training in healthcare, IT, retail sales, food services, banking and more. When you donate a car to charity, your auto donation allows Goodwill® to meet the many needs that people looking for a job have. Car donation makes it possible for Goodwill® not only to meet the training needs of people but to give them the opportunity to earn an income while leaning. Your car donation means a paycheck will be there for the people who are getting ready for the job of their dreams. For the people who have been held back from getting and keeping their ideal job, your car donation becomes affordable transportation. Goodwill’s® Career Centers have no