Red Cross Car Donation
Car donation programs have been prevalent in many charities across the US. Such initiatives are an effective way to help consumers properly dispose their ageing cars and help charitable programs. Donors that complete car donations are awarded tax deductions that they can file in their individual tax returns.
The American Red Cross is no stranger to car donation drives, as it runs the Vehicle Donation Program. The Red Cross believes the program is an important part of its annual fund-raising activities. People should know that there is likely a Red Cross chapter near their area and should take advantage of the program to help the charity and also make their old cars useful again.
The program of the Red Cross is simple, a car in better condition will qualify the donor to a bigger tax deduction. Donations that can be accepted include car, RV, truck, motorcycle, boat, construction or farm equipment.
History of car donation drives
While the Red Cross is among the top operators of charity car donation drives in the US, it is not the pioneer group, as the distinction goes to the Davis Memorial Foundation. Davis Memorial started the first ever charity car donation program in 1978 to help generate more donations, which started to dwindle during that time.
The program only amassed five vehicles in its first year but other charities replicated the move and conducted their own car donation drives. Charity car donation drives eventually became a normal fund-raising activity to help financially support a wide array of livelihood and assistance programs.
Various Red Cross chapters open for car donations
The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area
The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area services the communities of the District of Columbia, Prince George's County, Md, Montgomery County, Md, Fairfax County, Va and the city of Falls Church, Va. The charity does not charge for towing. The chapter's car donation drive is jointly ran with the Capital Auto Auction to help fetch the best price for the donated cars.
Donors can expect a letter of acknowledgement and tax receipts around 2 weeks after they made their donation. The Red Cross chapter has a set of qualifications on the vehicles that can be donated.
The car should have a set of keys, four properly inflated tires, clear from lien and a furnished title. In addition, the group will not accept a model made before 1991.
Those interested can deliver the car for donation at the chapter's Silver Spring office during office hours and the receipt will be released immediately. A car that is not driveable can be towed from its origin the week after arrangements with the Vehicle Donation office.
The American Red Cross Santa Valley Chapter
The Santa Clara Chapter of the Red Cross generates nearly $15,000 annually from its car donation drive. Proceeds are used to fund the chapter's various priority programs.
Donors are guaranteed that the money raised from their car directly goes to their local chapter, where it funds all services and programs such as homeless assistance, disaster relief, CPR classes, youth services and others.
Successful donations will result to a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the vehicle, which saves money and time for the donor. The Red Cross chapter is responsible for advertising and selling the car. Donors will enjoy a wonderful experience of giving aid to victims of disastrous events and education for society.
Recommended Reading
- Charity Car Donation
- Car Donation Houston
- Car Donation Tax Law
- Car Donation Program
- Car Donation Services
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