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Group seeks car donations for violence survivors |
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Monday, 19 May 2008 |
Looking for something else to do with the old car?
With various organizations seeking their generosity, drivers now have the option to put their old car to good use by making a tax-deductible donation of their vehicle. The program is sponsored by area Bumper to Bumper certified service centers; Parts Warehouse; Charity Cars; and Safe Haven, Benton’s only women’s shelter.
“When a domestic violence survivor begins a new life, financial independence is extremely vital to maintaining peaceful lives for their families,” said Vickie Wallace, chairwoman of the Charity Cars Campaign. “But without reliable transportation, employment opportunities can slip away quickly. This car donation program will ensure that no woman is forced to return to a violent relationship because of a lack of transportation.”
She added, “Too often a lack of resources can lead a woman to return to a violent home, but this program helps survivors have a cornerstone in the new lives — reliable transportation.”
Joyce Porter, treasurer for the Safe Haven board of directors, said coordinating transportation is often a problem for the women at the shelter and the board is looking forward to seeing how the program benefits the shelter.
“We’re pleased this is going to be available to women at the shelter and really pleased that local dealers are willing to do this,” she said.
Local Bumper to Bumper service centers include Benton Automotive, Blue’s Automotive, J.R. Prince Service Center, Posey Service Inc. and Precision Brake Centers.
Bumper to Bumper certified service centers will donate labor, while the Parts Warehouse and vendors will contribute the necessary replacement parts to ensure each vehicle is roadworthy, Wallace said. Most repairs will carry a nationwide Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Confidence Plus 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, she added.
The participating partners of the program are excited about the opportunity, Wallace said.
James Posey, owner of Posey Service, said, “My shop is pleased to be able to help, especially because the help we’re giving is right here in our own backyard. My technicians and I are ready to do what we can from inspecting donated vehicles to getting them roadworthy by donating our time and expertise.”
After a thorough screening process, Safe Haven will match the refurbished vehicle with a domestic violence survivor in need of reliable transportation.
Charity Cars will reimburse the initial down payment to secure appropriate vehicle insurance, as well as license and title fees, to the recipients.
Vehicle donors are still eligible for tax donations based on the disposition of their vehicle donation. All vehicles are registered in the recipient’s name but Charity Cars maintains a lien on the title for a year so the vehicle cannot be sold.
Recipients must be employed within 30 days upon the receipt of the vehicle and must remain employed throughout the lien period.
To participate and donate a vehicle or to seek further information, call 1-800-Charity and mention the inquiry is about Bumper to Bumper, Wallace said.
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