Getting a new car is a very exciting part of life. Even if you are buying a previously used model, it is still new to you. You can finally finish up your old car and have a newer, shinier, or more reliable one. But that creates an interesting puzzle. What do you do with your old car? Most people trade in their cars for a new one because they don’t want to make a big cash down payment. But if your car is much older, you won’t get much for it in a trade-in. That leaves you with three options. The first is to sell it yourself, but that requires you to make sure it’s in working order so you won’t find yourself selling a lemon. The second is to simply put it away in case you need an additional vehicle, but that requires you to keep insurance and maintenance current. The third option and one you may not immediately think of is car donations.

If you are trying to get rid of your old car and want to do something charitable, a car donation is perfect for you. In this article we will go over some of the basic questions and answers you may have. Just think, it will do someone else a lot of good and benefit yourself at the same time.

What kinds of organizations do you accept as donations?

There are many organizations that accept car donations. Some of these charities are: United Way, American Red Cross, United Breast Cancer Foundation, Humane Society and SPCA and even Boy Scouts of America. There are some websites that you can visit where you just fill out the required forms and they take care of everything else for you.

How do I know that the charity is legitimate?

There are some charities that you know are legitimate, like the Boy Scouts of America. You can also meet charities that accept car donations in your own hometown. These are usually very trustworthy. But you should know that there are scams. You are donating a car for a good cause and you deserve to know that your contribution will go to a legitimate place. That is why it is important that you also have a little control over the organization to which you are donating your car. You can stop by the Better Business Bureau for your city and state or you can search online to see if anyone has had a problem with a particular charity.

Are there other items I can donate besides cars?

You can donate practically anything. It doesn’t have to be a car. If you have a boat, trailer, ATV, or even lawn mowers, you can find an organization to donate those as well. The Salvation Army will take furniture, clothing and even books if they are in good condition. And of course you can always donate every charity’s favorite item – your money. So if you have items around your house gathering dust or rusting, consider donating them. You will help others and do something for a worthwhile cause.

How did car donations start?

Car donations have been made practically since there have been cars on the road. Many people recognized that many had a need to run because just in order to survive in life. Not everyone can afford to donate a lot of money to organizations, which is why many of these charities turned to people who asked them to donate their old vehicle. Even if the vehicle was abandoned and not working at all, these organizations took the time to repair it or sell it for scrap, which would help fund their charity and give them the opportunity to give back to the community.