I need to donate a car.

[BoX o BooX]

My car has finally given up the ghost. It gave great service, but it's gone... way too expensive to repair.

Tomorrow, I will be visiting my mechanic to settle up and retrieve my belongings from the car. I want to donate the car to a charitable organization. I know I won't get a huge deduction, and the charity will only get a fraction of the money, but I want to do this. So... any suggestions on whom I should call?

I should note that I can't locate the pink slip... I just moved, and my whole life is in disarray.

Thanks.

[Ilsa]

1. Public tv or public radio? n/t

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. We've given a couple of cars

to Rawhide Boy's Ranch. They've been VERY grateful, and, of course, the deduction helps, too! I don't know what parts of the country they are in - we're in Wisconsin.

[Philostopher]

3. There are several charities who will come and get it.

Kidney Foundation and Volunteers Of America are two I can think of. I did this a few years ago, that's how I know -- I had a car that was pretty much on its last legs, but still ran -- it needed a new exhaust manifold, but was otherwise sound -- so I called and asked VOA if they wanted it. They were happy to have it, they even came and picked it up.

Whether they'll take an untitled car, I don't know. Worth asking.

I know the animal shelter where we volunteer also accepts donations of vehicles. They have a couple of garages that donate labor to fix them up, then they resell them. Don't know how common that is, though.

I don't know about any kind of clearinghouse where you could find out who takes them, I just know Kidney Foundation and VOA both do in my area.

On edit -- it's a better deal than you think. Usually, they'll write you a receipt for the best Kelly Blue Book value for the year the car was made, and that's what you get to write off.

[Nite Owl]

4. My accountant

was also a pastor of a church. I asked him if he know anyplace and he said he would be delighted to have it and did the paperwork for me. So maybe try a church in your area.

[mopinko]

5. whatever you do

don't forget to remove the plates.
i made this mistake, thinking that it would never move again. it got sold, and racked up a bunch of tickets before it died. they are still sending me letters about that.

[BoX o BooX]

6. I should think a...

... title transfer would take care of that. How awful. But a good suggestion.

I have called a couple places so far... they want title... and I can't find it! Looks like I know how I'll be spending MY weekend!

The suggestions are helping, thank you!