Liz’s Story: A Donation Twice as Nice

February 27, 2025

For Liz Briscoe, donating a car was never just about getting rid of an old vehicle—it was about changing a life.

 

Her journey with Vehicles for Change started in 2008 when she met CEO Martin Schwartz and first learned about the organization’s mission. She was immediately drawn in. Reliable transportation, she knew, could be the difference between someone keeping a job or losing one, between struggling and thriving.

 

“I’ve always believed in the power of giving,” Liz said, “but when I found Vehicles for Change, I realized it was more than just charity—it was empowerment. A car 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.”

Liz’s belief in the organization deepened as she saw how Vehicles for Change didn’t just provide cars—it offered opportunities. The organization helped people reenter the workforce, especially women stepping into fields where they had traditionally been underrepresented. That impact made her decision to donate all the more meaningful.

 

Her first donation was her beloved 1992 Volvo Wagon. It had been a part of her family’s story for years, carrying them through road trips, daily commutes, and countless memories. Letting go wasn’t easy—but knowing it would help someone build their future made it a simple choice. That Volvo wasn’t just getting a new owner; it was getting a new purpose.

But Liz didn’t stop there. She later donated a boat—one that had brought her family summers of joy at the lake. As time passed, it became more of a burden than a pleasure, and rather than letting it sit unused, she turned to Vehicles for Change again.

 

For Liz, the most rewarding part of giving isn’t just knowing where her donations go—it’s knowing what they mean. She’s not just handing over keys; she’s giving someone the ability to be there for others, earn a paycheck, and build a future.

She often thinks back to her first car—a white and blue AMC Hornet she bought for $200 after college. It was far from fancy, and her sister drove it more than she did, but it symbolized something important: 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.”

 

As she looks ahead, Liz is excited to see Vehicles for Change grow. Every car donated is another fresh start for someone who needs it, and to her, that’s worth everything.