How can one car impact four low-income families?

With a socially conscious buyer and donor, anything is possible.

Five years ago, Jon Weinstein bought a 1999 Ford Taurus from Freedom Wheels for his son, Zach. Freedom Wheels, a used car lot, is a subsidiary of Vehicles for Change. Since all proceeds from Freedom Wheels sales go back to VFC, funds from Weinstein’s purchase were used to repair cars for low-income families.  VFC estimates that proceeds from this sale were enough to make repairs on three vehicles for low-income families.

At the time of purchase, Weinstein sat down with his son and determined how much money they were willing to spend on car repairs. Just recently, the needed repairs began to exceed what they had budgeted, so the Weinsteins decided to donate their car back to Vehicles for Change.

According to Weinstein, donating the car was always something he had in the back of his mind.

“The car has more value to someone else now,” said Weinstein.

Incredibly, with only a little more than 111,000 miles, the ‘99 Ford Taurus is in good-enough condition that it can be used in the VFC program, and will be awarded in a few weeks to a low-income family.

“One of the truly inspirational parts of working at VFC is the impact the program has not just on our recipients but on the community,” said Marty Schwartz, president of Vehicles for Change, “It is individuals like Jon who make the VFC program successful.”

Between the funds from the Freedom Wheels sale and the donation of the car, VFC estimates that the Ford Taurus has assisted approximately four families. The vehicle is currently being repaired by VFC mechanics.

“What a great concept…it’s a great service” said Weinstein.