📅 Date: November 23, 2023

⏰ Time: 8:00am CST

📍 Location: Dallas City Hall - 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201

🚗 Cars for Kids is proud to be a sponsor of the YMCA Dallas Turkey Trot, a festive event that combines fitness, fun, and community spirit! 🦃🏅

This Thanksgiving, lace up your running shoes and trot for a cause. Enjoy the scenic route, festive atmosphere, and the joy of giving back. As a special thank you, we're offering an exclusive $15 registration promo code: CARS15.

🌟 Event Highlights:

• Fun for the whole family
• Scenic routes for all fitness levels
• Festive costumes encouraged
• Support a great cause

🎉 How to Register:

1. Visit http://raceroster.com/events/2023/75199/2023-dallas-ymca-turkey-trot/register?team=590796
2. Use promo code: CARS15
3. Complete your registration and get ready for a trot-tastic time!
4. 
   

Let's make this Turkey Trot a memorable and impactful experience. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll, there's a place for everyone at the YMCA Dallas Turkey Trot. See you there!

If you're considering donating a vehicle to make a positive impact on children's lives, you might have come across Cars for Kids. Let us share some compelling reasons why Cars for Kids stands out as an excellent choice: 

Transparency and Accountability: Cars for Kids is dedicated to utmost transparency and ethical practices. We prioritize open reporting, ensuring your donation directly benefits children in need. Our commitment to accountability ensures your trust is well-placed. 

Local Impact: Cars for Kids serves children in local communities in America, which means your donation supports kids right in your region. On the other hand, other organizations are sending a significant portion of their funds to a religious organization across the globe. 

Educational Support: Our mission is centered around empowering children through education, mentorship, and support. We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and your vehicle donation contributes to this vital cause. Afterall, as advocates for education, it’s paramount for us to spell things the right way. It’s the least we can do. Therefore, we spell it right and do things right! 

Variety of Programs: Cars for Kids collaborates with partners like the YMCA, San Diego Center for Children and Texans Can Academies to provide a wide range of educational, health and mentorship programs. We focus on long-term, holistic support. 

Diverse Partnerships: Our partnerships extend beyond educational programs to include initiatives like safety around water, mental health services, and other community-focused efforts. This ensures a multifaceted approach to helping kids in need from all walks of life without discrimination of gender, race or religious backgrounds. 

So, if you're looking to donate a vehicle, consider choosing the Original Cars for Kids. Your support is invaluable in driving positive change and creating brighter futures for children. 

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Cars for Kids is an emerging nonprofit organization that seeks to help low-income and houseless keiki gain access to reliable transportation.

Cars for Kids began in Texas and is expanding across the United States. They have come to Hawaii and are looking to connect with the community to provide both sides of this program with services that they need.

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“So yes, what we’re what we’re looking to do, and it’s an awesome thing that we’re having this conversation, because what we want to do is we want to spread awareness through the state of Hawaii, right,” said Colin Weatherwax, CEO for Cars for Kids. “Over the past 40 years since our existence, we haven’t had a huge presence in Hawaii.”

Weatherwax wants to change that since there is a big need in Hawaii to dispose of old cars.

“What we want to do is to kind of establish that presence, to make sure people know that we’re here,” explained Weatherwax. “And in turn, once we start to get a lot of donations from the state of Hawaii, we can then in turn partner with charities throughout the state of Hawaii. This way, we can give back to the communities that we received the donations from.”

But helping you dispose of the vehicles is only one aspect of the charity. Cars for Kids aims to help our youth in need to gain access to vehicles so they can begin integrating into the workforce.

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“So, what we focus on are the kids that truly need help, for whatever reason, either they’re not working out in the traditional high school setting, or they need, you know, basic life skills to survive or, maybe, are dealing with some mental health issues,” said Weatherwax. “What we like to do is we like to partner with organizations that truly go to help these kids that everyone else, for whatever reason, has either given up on or no one has given them hope. We want to in turn, provide that hope through vehicle donations.”

For those donating cars, the agency will do everything for you.

“We make it super easy. Just give us some basic information about yourself; and then, one of our call center representatives will reach out to get some general information about the vehicle and where it’s located,” explained Weatherwax. “Or if you want to fill out the complete form online, we also offer that; but, you know, as we help the kids that we serve, we also try and help the donors.”

This means even if you don’t have a title. They work with the person donating to pick up the vehicle and get a title if one is not readily available.

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“So, you’re giving us something; we don’t want it to be a hassle for you, too,” said Weatherwax. “People will think, ‘Oh, I gotta find the title. Oh, I don’t know if be able be here at midnight whenever they come to pick up the car, though’. That’s not how we work. If you can’t find the title, we can help you get a title. And we will work with your schedule to pick up that vehicle at a time that works best for you.”

Cars for Kids will take everything. Does the vehicle not work? No problem. They will take it. In addition to cars, they will also take:

• boats and other marine vehicles.
• recreational vehicles.
• motorcycles, mopeds and ebikes.
• Mini vans or regular vans.
• delivery trucks and pickup trucks.
• SUVs.

Cars for Kids does not use a “middle man”. They do everything in house so that as much of the money as possible can go to support local youth non-profits.

Weatherwax said that he has been involved with Cars for Kids since he was 18 years old.

“So, whenever I was 18, right out of high school, I started working at Cars for Kids,” revealed Weatherwax. “I was actually cleaning out the vehicles that we received, taking the pictures, uploading them to the website. And from there, the one thing that I prided myself on was always asking questions.”

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Weatherwax went to explain that Cars for Kids is a rather large organization. He started off washing the cars that were donated. Then, he moved to working with their call center to set up donations. From there, he moved into the area where the paperwork is processed for the donations.

He also became a licensed auctioneer for Cars for Kids, selling the vehicles as they came into the facility. He kept moving up into the organization.

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“I asked a lot of questions,” said Weatherwax. “And by doing so, I learned how the operation ran and how the organization ran. So, fast forward 13 years; here I am CEO. And I know exactly what it takes in order to get a donated vehicle. I’m able to see what that donated vehicle is used for, and that’s to help change kids’ lives.”

For many nonprofit organizations dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged children, generosity from the community is often the lifeblood of their operations. Without the support of donations, these organizations would struggle to provide necessary services and aid to those in need.

While donating money is appreciated, there are other ways to give that can make a significant impact as well. Donating your car may not be the first item that comes to mind when considering charitable giving, but it can be a valuable contribution to a worthy cause.

Here are a few signs that could help you decide if this path aligns with where you stand today.

Your Car Is Costing You More Than It's Worth

When the cost of maintaining your vehicle exceeds its actual worth, donating it to a charitable organization may be a sensible alternative. Frequent, expensive repairs, skyrocketing insurance, and hefty gas bills can quickly add up, making it financially unfeasible to continue operating the car.

The constant financial drain could be better utilized elsewhere, especially if the vehicle becomes increasingly unreliable. Donating your car in this situation eliminates these financial burdens and provides a valuable asset to an organization that can transform it into substantial support for those in need.

There's also a considerable tax advantage to consider. When you donate a car to a registered nonprofit, the IRS allows you to claim a tax deduction based on the car's fair market value. This can significantly reduce your taxable income, further enhancing the financial benefits of donating rather than continuing to pour money into a depreciating asset.

In addition to the monetary gains, the knowledge that your car has been repurposed to aid those less fortunate can provide a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, affirming that a car donation is a win-win situation.

You're No Longer Using the Car

If your vehicle is simply gathering dust in your garage or driveway, donating it to a charity can be a wise decision. An idle car deteriorates over time, reducing its value and becoming more of a liability than an asset.

Rather than allow it to depreciate further, donating the car to a nonprofit organization can enable it to serve a larger purpose. The car can be sold at a charity auction, and the funds raised can go directly towards supporting the organization's cause.

Some nonprofits may also use the car for their operations, such as delivering meals, transporting supplies, or providing rides for underprivileged people. In either case, your car donation can significantly impact the nonprofit's mission and potentially change young lives.

In addition, an idle car can become a practical pain point. Over time, it may require maintenance and repair to keep it in a usable state, which is an unnecessary expenditure if you are not using the car. Donating it alleviates these concerns and also clears up space in your garage.

It's also worth noting that donating a car doesn't just benefit the charity. It's beneficial to the environment. Rather than slowly deteriorating in your garage, the vehicle can be put to better use, reducing the need for new cars––and by extension––the resources required to manufacture them.

Donating your car is just one example of how small actions can have significant impacts on those in need and the community as a whole. So next time you think about donating to a nonprofit organization, Cars For Kids may be the perfect destination for your old vehicle. Contact us today to learn more about our organization and how you can be a part of our mission to help underprivileged kids build a better future.

Some children's charities accept cars as donations. The charities sell the donated cars and use the money to support at-risk kids.

How the Donations Benefit the Kids

Charities that accept car donations for kids use the proceeds for different benefits. Below are some of the tangible ways your donation may benefit kids.

Providing Basic Needs

Many places have at-risk kids who do not have places to stay, food, or even clothes to wear. Your donation can pay for some of these basic needs and uplift a child's well-being. The donations may even help pay for childcare for the young ones who need it.

Providing Healthcare

Everyone can get sick, but not everyone can afford the relevant treatment whenever they fall ill. Proceeds from your donated car can help pay for preventive and treatment medical costs for kids who need it. For example, the money can buy medical drugs, pay for surgeries, and settle doctor's consultation fees.

Providing Educational Needs

Many agree that education is one of the best gifts a parent can give a child. Unfortunately, many kids don't have parents who can give them the necessary education. Again, car donations can help pay for educational needs, like extra tuition, textbooks, and school lunches.

How the Donations Benefit You

One of the best things about donations is that they benefit both the beneficiaries and the givers. Below are ways you can benefit from donating your cars to kids.

Freeing Up Space

Cars sitting in your driveway occupy space you can put to better use. For example, you can use the space to plant a flower garden, set up an outdoor lounge, or a barbecue area. The bigger your car is, the more you can do with the space it occupies. Donate the car and free up the space.

Improving Curb Appeal

An old car sitting in your driveway interferes with your curb appeal. Even if your neighbors haven't complained, they probably don't like how your home looks with an ever-present car in the front yard. Decreased curb appeal is especially problematic with cars that don't run and sit in the same place daily.

Improving Safety and Security

Unused automobiles in the driveway are safety and security risks in different ways. For example, these vehicles are attractive nuisances that can attract neighborhood kids. Kids who get hurt on your property can receive compensation. In addition, automobiles make good hiding places for burglars. Donating the cars will instantly improve your home's safety and security.

Relieving You From Car Repair, Sale, or Disposal Stress

People deal with broken-down cars or cars they are not using in different ways. Some sell the cars; others repair the cars and continue using them, while others treat them as garbage. However, none of these options is as straightforward and as convenient as donating the cars.

For example, you might spend thousands of dollars to fix a car without success. Disposing of cars as garbage is a disservice to the environment. Donating the car is easy and benefits others.

Giving You Tax Deductions

The Internal Revenue Service allows tax deductions for car donations. You may base the deduction on the car's sale or fair market price, depending on how the charity treats it. Many charities do their best to maximize these deductions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Charities to Support

Do due diligence before donating your car to a charity. Below are a few things to consider.

Choose a Qualified Charity

Ideally, you should donate your car to a qualified charity that the government recognizes as such. Qualified charities exclusively deal with a few specific needs. Charities that directly benefit children belong in this category. Dealing with a qualified charity guarantees your donations to your chosen cause.

Consider the Ease of Donating

Choose a charity that won't give you grief with the donation. The donation process should be straightforward. For example, some charities will pick up your car at no additional cost.

Cars For Kids is a certified charity; we have operated for over three decades. We operate in all 50 states to help at-risk kids. Contact us to donate your car and help build a better future for kids.

Cars for Kids Charity, known for its commitment to empowering children through education and support, has found strong allies in the YMCA and Texans Can Academies. These partnerships reflect a shared dedication to helping young minds thrive.

The YMCA, a renowned organization with a long history of fostering youth development, and Texans Can Academies, a network of high schools that provide education opportunities for at-risk youth, have joined forces with Cars for Kids Charity to amplify their collective impact.

Colin Weatherwax on Spectrum News 1: Sharing the Vision

To shed light on this powerful partnership and its far-reaching impact, Cars for Kids Charity's CEO, Colin Weatherwax, joined Charles Divins on Spectrum News 1. During this exclusive interview, Mr. Weatherwax shared insights into how this collaboration is positively shaping the lives of children across Texas.

This interview is a unique opportunity to learn more about the concrete steps being taken to drive change in the community. It highlights the tangible ways in which Cars for Kids Charity, the YMCA, and Texans Can Academies are supporting education, mentorship, and vital resources for young individuals.

Creating Opportunities for a Brighter Future

The combined efforts of Cars for Kids Charity, the YMCA, and Texans Can Academies are creating opportunities for children to thrive in various ways:

• Access to Quality Education: Through these partnerships, underserved youth gain access to quality education, setting them on the path to success.
• Mentorship and Support: Young individuals are provided with mentorship and support systems that help them navigate challenges and make informed choices.
• Empowerment: These collaborations empower children to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and pursue their dreams.

How You Can Get Involved

If you're inspired by the work of Cars for Kids Charity, the YMCA, and Texans Can Academies, you too can make a difference. There are several ways to get involved:

• Donate Your Vehicle: Consider donating your unwanted vehicle to Cars for Kids Charity. Your contribution will support vital programs that empower children.
• Spread the Word: Share the news of these transformative partnerships on social media and in your community. Together, we can raise awareness and expand our reach.

Tune In to Spectrum News 1

To gain deeper insights into the incredible work being done by Cars for Kids Charity, the YMCA, and Texans Can Academies, don't miss the exclusive interview with CEO Colin Weatherwax on Spectrum News 1. Learn how we are driving change and creating brighter futures for children in Texas.

About Cars for Kids Charity:

Cars for Kids Charity is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and helping build a better future. By partnering with organizations like the YMCA and Texans Can Academies, we create opportunities for children to thrive, breaking down barriers and fostering brighter futures.

Cars for Kids Charity is proud to announce a remarkable partnership with iHeartMedia and the Ben & Skin Show from 97.1FM The Freak. This collaboration has resulted in a heartwarming vehicle donation that will play a pivotal role in empowering children in Dallas to build brighter futures.

iHeartMedia: A Generous Gesture that Drives Change

iHeartMedia, a global leader in the world of media and entertainment, has a longstanding commitment to supporting the communities it serves. Their recent donation of a vehicle to Cars for Kids Charity exemplifies this commitment, demonstrating the positive impact that corporations can make when they choose to give back.

The donated vehicle represents more than just a mode of giving; it signifies hope, opportunity, and a chance for a better future for children in need. It showcases iHeartMedia's dedication to creating a meaningful difference in the lives of those they reach.

The Ben & Skin Show: Champions of Giving

The Ben & Skin Show, a popular radio program on 97.1FM The Freak, has been an integral part of this partnership. The show's hosts, Ben Rogers and Jeff "Skin" Wade, have been champions of giving back to their community. Their involvement in this vehicle donation highlights their passion for making a positive impact.

A Vehicle for a Brighter Future

This vehicle donation represents much more than a set of wheels. It symbolizes the opportunity for children in Dallas to access education, resources, and support that can change the trajectory of their lives. Cars for Kids Charity is dedicated to using the proceeds from vehicle donations to provide essential programs that empower young individuals to thrive.

Through educational initiatives, mentorship programs, and support for underserved communities, Cars for Kids Charity is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed. The vehicle donated by iHeartMedia and facilitated by the Ben & Skin Show will contribute significantly to these endeavors.

Donating a Vehicle: Easy and Impactful

For those inspired by this heartwarming partnership and eager to make a difference, donating a vehicle to Cars for Kids Charity is easier than ever. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few simple steps:

1. Contact Us: Reach out to Cars for Kids Charity via phone or our website to express your interest in donating a vehicle.
2. Vehicle Evaluation: We'll guide you through the process of assessing your vehicle's condition and eligibility for donation.
3. Paperwork Made Simple: Our team will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork, including the transfer of the vehicle's title.
4. Pickup Service: We offer free pickup services to make the donation process convenient for you.
5. Tax Benefits: You'll receive a tax-deductible receipt for your generous contribution, which can lead to substantial tax benefits.

Join the Drive for Change

Cars for Kids Charity, iHeartMedia, and the Ben & Skin Show invite you to join our collective effort to drive change and create brighter futures for children in Dallas. Your vehicle donation can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For more information on how you can get involved and donate your vehicle, please visit www.carsforkids.org/social or contact us at 972-274-5437. Together, we can be the driving force behind positive change in our community.

Cars for Kids Charity is delighted to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious GreatNonprofits.org Top Rated Charity of 2023 award. This recognition underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to empowering children in need and creating a brighter future for young lives across the nation.

GreatNonprofits.org, a leading platform for nonprofit reviews and ratings, bestows the Top Rated Charity award upon organizations that have consistently demonstrated excellence in their mission and garnered strong support from their community. This recognition is a testament to the significant positive impact that Cars for Kids Car Donation Program has made in the lives of children and communities it serves.

Cars for Kids has earned this accolade through a combination of factors:

• Positive Reviews: The organization has received an abundance of heartfelt and positive reviews from individuals and organizations that have experienced firsthand the transformative power of its programs.
• Community Engagement: Cars for Kids Charity's commitment to fostering community engagement, transparency, and ethical practices has garnered the trust and support of its stakeholders.
• Empowering Children: Above all, this award reflects the organization's core mission of empowering children and providing them with opportunities to succeed.

Colin Weatherwax, CEO of Cars for Kids Charity, expressed gratitude for this recognition, saying, "We are deeply honored to receive the GreatNonprofits.org Top Rated Charity award. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to making a lasting and positive impact in the lives of children across the nation. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue our mission with unwavering determination."

The entire Cars for Kids team is grateful for the support of its dedicated staff, generous donors, and the incredible children who inspire their work every day.

As the organization celebrates this remarkable achievement, it remains committed to setting even higher standards and reaching new heights in its mission to empower children and build a brighter future for all.

For more information about Cars for Kids Charity and its mission, please visit carsforkids.org.

Cars for Kids, has partnered with the YMCA to help kids through their program "Safety Around Water". The program is designed to help kids aged 3-5 years old learn how to be safe around water.

"We are so excited to be partnering with the YMCA on this important program," said Cars for Kids CMO, Raul E. Machuca Jr. "Water safety is a critical life skill and we are committed to helping kids learn how to be safe around water."

The "Safety Around Water" program will teach kids essential water safety skills like how to stay afloat, how to get help if they're in trouble, and how to prevent accidents in and around water. The program will be offered at select YMCA locations across the country.

"The YMCA is committed to helping all kids learn essential life skills, and water safety is one of the most important skills a child can have," said YMCA Executive Director, Giselle Patterson. "We are proud to partner with Cars for Kids to offer this life-saving program to our communities."

For more information about the "Safety Around Water" program, or to find a participating YMCA location, please visit www.carsforkids.org/safety.