Donate your car to Kars 4 Kids

“1-877-Kars for Kids, 1-877-Kars 4 Kids…” it’s a little ditty you may have heard on your radio – and those cute little voices know what they are talking about, because in today’s economy donating your car to a worthwhile charity is a great idea.

With things as tough as they are today, charities have had to think creatively to make up for a down turn in monetary donations. Accepting cars for donation has been one way to do so, and Kars 4 Kids is one of the most successful employers of the concept. Basically you donate your car, even if it is not in running condition, to Kars 4 Kids, and receive a Tax Deduction for the value of the car. This is great for people who have old cars they need to get rid of, but want to avoid the hassles of selling.

While the name is Kars 4 Kids, all manner of vehicles are accepted for donation including motorcycles, boats and RVs. Kars 4 Kids will pick up your vehicle, even if it is not running, you will receive a receipt for your tax deduction, and Kars 4 Kids offers donators a voucher for a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 38 resort areas across North America.

Vehicles donated to Kars 4 Kids benefit Joy for Our Youth. J.O.Y is a registered national, 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, which was established in 2000 to provide help and support for Jewish children and their families facing poverty, or are in crisis for other reasons. J.O.Y’s mission is to provide intervention and a wide range of services to help these children and families reach and maintain stability, while enforcing Jewish traditions and moral values. According to their website, car donations helped 500 kids attend summer camp last year, and also provided for mentoring programs, after school enrichment, and skill building workshops for hundreds more at risk kids.

There had been some controversy about Kars 4 Kids in some states, largely complaining that the radio commercials with the catchy jingle and ubiquitous billboards nationwide did not mention that they are a Jewish based charity. Yet to donate, one needs to go to their website, where the Mission of J.O.Y is clearly stated, so the flack levied against them seems to have been largely unjustified, and many who have donated to Kars 4 Kids report a very easy and rewarding experience.

In response to some of the charges made against them, Yehuda Meth, Kars 4 Kids Director of Communications said that like many charities that advertise nationwide, there might have been some areas where their ads may not have been in accordance with all State laws, notably Oregon and Pennsylvania. But Meth stresses that current ads are “fully compliant in every state we operate in.” And according to Meth, Kars 4 Kids “is very proud of our work, and we have never attempted to hide that our programs have Jewish Family Values at their core.”

You can find out more about Kars 4 Kids, or donate your vehicle online by logging onto www.kars4kids.org