Vehicles for Change Car Donor Story: Liz B.

For Liz Briscoe, donating a car has never been about clearing out a driveway. Instead, it has always been about changing a life.

Her journey with Vehicles for Change began in 2008, when she met CEO Marty Schwartz and first learned about the organization’s mission. From that moment on, Liz felt drawn in. She understood that reliable transportation could mean the difference between keeping a job or losing one, between merely surviving and truly thriving.

“I’ve always believed in the power of giving,” Liz shared. “But when I found Vehicles for Change, I realized it was more than charity, it was empowerment.” A car, she explained, isn’t just four wheels and an engine. It’s the ability to get to work, care for your family, and move forward in life.

Seeing the Impact Up Close

Over time, Liz’s belief in the organization only grew stronger. She watched Vehicles for Change do more than provide cars, they created opportunity. By helping people reenter the workforce, especially women stepping into fields where they had long been underrepresented, the organization made a lasting difference. As a result, Liz felt even more confident in her decision to give.

A Gift That Changes Lives

Liz’s first donation was her beloved 1992 Volvo Wagon. For years, it carried her family through road trips, daily commutes, and countless memories. Letting go wasn’t easy. However, knowing the vehicle would help someone build a better future made the decision clear. That Volvo didn’t just gain a new owner; it found a new purpose.

Still, Liz didn’t stop there. Later, she donated a boat that had once filled her summers with joy at the lake. Eventually, as life changed, the boat became more of a burden than a pleasure. Rather than letting it sit unused, Liz once again turned to Vehicles for Change.

Giving More Than Keys

For Liz, the most rewarding part of giving isn’t simply knowing where her donations go. It’s understanding what they mean. She isn’t just handing over keys. Instead, she’s helping someone show up for their family, earn a paycheck, and build a future with stability.

First Car, Lasting Lessons

Even now, Liz often thinks back to her first car; a white and blue AMC Hornet she bought for $200 after college. It wasn’t fancy, and her sister drove it more than she did. Still, it symbolized something powerful: independence. “That first car, no matter what it is, is a step toward something bigger,” Liz said. “And that’s what Vehicles for Change gives people…a step toward a better life.”

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Liz feels excited to see Vehicles for Change continue to grow. Every donated vehicle creates a fresh start for someone in need. To Liz, that impact makes every act of giving worthwhile.