Easy Fundraising for JCMGA

Over the years, my 1992 pickup had progressed from daily use to being used only occasionally for hauling loads of landscaping material, then to being towed to the mechanic every time I wanted to use it, to an ugly yard ornament. I had been thinking for a long time about donating it to a local nonprofit for a tax write-off so was overjoyed when the Jackson County Master Gardener Association entered a partnership with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services). This organization accepts cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, trailers, and airplanes to fix up for resale or to sell as parts — with a large portion of the profits going to a nonprofit of the donor’s choice. I decided to give it a try.

Arrangements can be made by either filling out a form on the CARS website at careasy.org or by calling 1-855-500-RIDE (7433). Have the title available when contacting them. They will ask for information from it. If doing it online, when prompted to choose a nonprofit to receive the proceeds, click on the Education and Research category to find JCMGA.

A date will be set for your donation to be picked up that depends on availability of a tow truck. My date was December 31. New Year’s Eve turned out to be a very busy day for tow trucks so my date had to be moved to the following week.

That’s all there is to it. CARS does the rest. They arrange and pay for repairs to make the donation sellable, if possible. If this isn’t possible, they part it out and sell the parts. Their goal is to ensure the chosen nonprofit makes the maximum amount of money. Within 30 days of the sale, they send a thank you letter that can be used as a tax receipt. If the donated vehicle sells for more than $500, they will also send an IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes, if your tax ID number (usually your Social Security number) has been provided.

Easy peasy! No more ugly yard ornament! A tax deduction in hand! A nice donation to JCMGA! And a feel-good moment as you wave goodbye.