I don’t know what it is about America recently, I seem to be more drawn to their start ups and fledgling companies for interest sakes.  For example this morning I happened across a scheme run in the US  where by members of the public can donate to a charity in the form of they Donate a Car. Born and based in the UK and have never seen the concept of donating a vehicle before, but I have had a fair few bangers that are not worth my time, money or attention any more. I have always noticed the “cash for cars” ads, never used one but it’d be cool if when your used car gets to the dead stage and you can afford a replacement, for the combination of donating and removing the heap from your drive to be combined.

This site I saw works by they take your car (collect it from wherever) as part of their Car Donations scheme. As far as I can see in this example the charity then sells the car on and redistribute the sale cash accordingly (they say they only spend 5% on overheads - mentally low figure to run by) to your selected charity or organisation (that you select when you register). It says that your used vehicle will be “used to help single mothers, distribute educational materials, help homeless and more good deeds.” It does sound like a very positive use of second hand cars although I can see theres another viewpoint of it if you look deeper.

That’s not to say a UK charity / organisation couldn’t use this format, someone who collects vehicles or perhaps other items - probably used, sells them on, keeping a small chunk towards paying all the overheads and giving the remaining to a needy charity. The downside I feel with these situations is the objectivity of the charity and its ideals. The charity or organisation will use the funds to its own ends. But I suppose all charity’s operate this way, we should just choose the most appropriate to our sense of morals I guess. This United States one I found funds Free Children’s DVDs and anti-drug videos, which to me represents positive work although it has a Christian spin which I personally may not donate too, but its all positive and is a good way to change unwanted cars into charity support.