Children who are ill have a much better prognosis when they're surrounded by their families. For more than 40 years Ronald McDonald House Charities has made it possible for millions of families to remain close to their children when they're hospitalized. Not only has RMHC created a literal home away from home, contributing comfort and convenience to families facing such a hard time, the organization has lifted a tremendous financial burden from parents struggling to cope with the emotional and physical costs of medical care.
Did you know that when you donate a car to Ronald McDonald House the proceeds go to furthering their work, both locally and around the world? There are 357 Ronald McDonald houses in 63 countries today, which means that across the globe, when a young child is facing a cancer diagnosis or ongoing treatment for a life-threatening disease, family members can be right there, walking them through the tough times ahead.
When 3-month-old Sadie was rushed to the hospital after having a seizure, Noah and Melissa Korda were terrified. While in the emergency room, they were unable to revive Sadie, so she was intubated and rushed to Children's Hospital where she was well taken care of, but the Kordas had another problem: they lived in Van Nuys -- over 40 miles away. Hospital staff members suggested they talk to the Ronald McDonald Charity House Organization in Orange County.
“Melissa and I were so distraught and could not think clearly,” Noah said. “We both had just witnessed our only daughter almost die. We couldn’t even think about having to drive 42 miles one way just to go back home or to drive back to Orange County. As soon as we checked in the Ronald McDonald House, they were very warm and caring… They are there for everyone and I'm very grateful for the services they provided to my family and I during our time of need.”
You can play a part in the lives of grateful families like the Kordas by allowing the car you no longer need to benefit the organization’s effective programs.
If you're in a situation where you'd like to upgrade, or if you'd like to downsize your vehicle because your car pool days are over, there's the dilemma: "What do I do with my old car?"
Selling your car is certainly an option, but it involves several steps. First, you have to be sure the car is in good working condition. Then, it needs to be cleaned in order to get great quality photos. Once you list it or purchase ads somewhere, you need to be available for any prospective buyers who, at times, are a little flaky.
Has your car has been spending too much time at the repair shop? Consumer advice editor Ronald Montoya at Edmunds.com says there comes a time when letting go of your old car is a wise financial move: "One quick way to come to a decision is with some simple math: If the cost of repairs is greater than either the value of the vehicle or one year's worth of monthly payments, it's time for another vehicle."
A lot of Americans are also deciding to reduce their carbon footprints. John Ydstie at NPR suggests that buying a new car is a great way to do that.
Most of us realize that when we trade in a car or sell it through CarMax we’re losing a chunk of its value. But did you know just how much? In both cases, you’re only getting 35-40% of your vehicle’s value. That’s a tremendous loss when you consider that not only could you gain a tax write-off, the proceeds from donating a car to Ronald McDonald House will offer more hope to kids and their families suffering from illness or injury.
During your quick call to 855-520-2100, you provide a few quick details about your vehicle, and tell us what pickup time would be most convenient. You’ll get an email confirmation letter, with an outline of next steps and a temporary donation receipt. Then we arrange for a skilled towing driver to meet you, usually within 24-48 hours -- at whatever location is most convenient for you. If the car is at the auto mechanic, or at some other location, no problem.
Our experts do a 16-point inspection to determine what improvements might be appropriate for your vehicle donation to Ronald McDonald House. Our research shows that donation cars sell for 25-50% more than they would without these types of improvements.
The best part is, not only do we sell your vehicle for you, the 100% of the net proceeds benefit RMHC. (They reimburse us for towing, repairs and a standard service fee). Ronald McDonald House Charities then get a nice check, and you get a good tax write-off. After your car is sold, you and the charity both receive IRS Form 1098-C, so there is always total transparency about the actual sale price. We take care of the title transfer, the DMV paperwork – everything! – while you get the tax benefit. Your tax deduction is equal to the improved actual higher sale price.
Questions? We have lots of videos that answer most donor FAQs.
You get the satisfaction of knowing that your car donation tax deduction for Ronald McDonald House doesn't just benefit you, but families feel the effects of your contribution as well.
Absolutely. Do you have a motorhome you aren't using anymore? A camper or trailer? You can make a recreational vehicle donation to the Ronald McDonald House in just about any form. It's all the same easy process. We pick up smaller vehicles, such as quads/ATVS, as well as SUVs, trucks, commercial vehicles and more.
Do you have water craft you rarely use, such as a jet ski or a Sea-Doo? You can get some extra room in your garage by clearing out some of those toys or by making a boat donation to the Ronald McDonald House.
Got a golf cart with a dead battery? It costs around $160 each to replace those – times 6 or 8 = $1,000 or more. So if you’re ready for a new cart, you'll likely benefit more with a golf cart donation to Ronald McDonald House.
When you donate a motorcycle to Ronald McDonald House, we handle it the same way as with other vehicles, while the charity gets the benefit of your gift.
Speaking of vehicles, have you heard of Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles? These 40-foot-long state-of-the-art vehicles provide basic healthcare services to vulnerable cities across the globe. They offer everything from ophthalmology in Thailand to medical assistance for pediatric cancers in Poland. At a cost of around $500,000 each, the vehicles provide oral hygiene education, asthma treatment, vision and hearing screening, school and sports physicals, nutrition counseling and many more features. It’s just one more great reason to make your car donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
