Make the Holidays Memorable for a Family by Donating a Car
December 29, 2021
An insightful quote by Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher and psychologist, reads: “In the end, we’re all just walking each other home.”
Emotions like frustration and judgment have left many people feeling depleted, and it has become easy to disconnect from one another as the world continues to wrestle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now the holiday season is here, and we remember just how good it feels to give to each other, to put our disagreements aside, and show up in love rather than fear. It is a season when many people connect with their friends, family, and neighbors in good cheer.
This year, you can add to that joy and make the season memorable for a needy family by donating a car during the holidays.
Why Do People Donate During the Holidays?
There are many reasons why people donate and give holiday gifts.
- It’s a great time to think of others over yourself.
The holiday season is a great time to slow down and remember how blessed we are. From our jobs to our relationships, from our homes to putting food on the table, we find ourselves feeling more grateful during the holiday season. This awareness invites us to think of those who do not share these blessings and how even something seemingly small like a toy donation can make all the difference to someone else.
- It brings you joy.
It’s common to get wrapped up in our problems, fears, and shortcomings in our day-to-day lives. But when we look up and notice other people’s journeys, we get to take a step away from our own story and help someone else feel fortunate. Witnessing another person’s life become brighter inevitably brings us joy. And we all need as much joy as we can get our hands on during the holidays.
- It makes you healthier.
Are you living your healthiest life? Research shows that donating your time or resources can help you live a healthier, more fulfilled life. Studies have shown that making a charitable contribution can lower blood pressure, body mass index, and LDL cholesterol. It can also promote better mental health.
- It Reduces Stress.
Let’s face it, as joyful as the holidays can be, they can also be a stressful time. Family dynamics can be challenging to navigate. Meditation and physical movement can be helpful, and so can making a charitable donation. Johns Hopkins University conducted a study on giving. They found that those who give and donate have lower rates of stress. In the current state of the world, many of us could use de-stressors. Giving by donating a car during the holidays may be the perfect option.
Benefits of Year-End Donations
Whether you donate to Toys for Tots, choose to adopt a family, or volunteer your time wrapping gifts, there are many benefits to year-end donations. And it’s not too late for you to reap the rewards. 30% of all charitable contributions occur in December, with 10% of all donations happening in the final three days of the year.
Aside from bringing you more joy, health, and ease, donating a car during the holidays may be your last chance to get an additional tax deduction. This year Congress has extended some of the favorable tax changes made by the CARES Act in March of 2020. For example:
- If you itemize deductions in 2021, the cap on annual giving for gifts of cash is 100% of adjusted gross income (AGI) instead of the usual 60% of AGI limit. That means a donor who uses all of their available deduction for qualified gifts would pay no federal income tax in 2021.
- Donors who claim the standard deduction still have an above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions. The amount remains the same for an individual ($300), but married couples filing joint returns can deduct up to $600, increasing last year.
Donate to Vehicles for Change Today
If you’re looking for a charitable organization to donate to this year, consider donating to Vehicles for Change. Since we started in 1999, we’ve been able to award 7,500 cars to low-income families and improve the lives of over 25,000 people living in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
You can donate in the following ways:
Amazon Smile: Use AmazonSmile and select Vehicles for Change as your charity of choice. Select the organization that says “Location: Halethorpe, MD I Year Founded: 1999.”
Donate Your Car: Becoming part of the Vehicles for Change donor family is easy. It starts with a simple donation form. You’re able to complete this one of the three ways: Online, printed and mailed, faxed, or emailed, or by calling us at 855-820-7990 and completing the form over the phone.
Tell A Friend: Don’t forget. You can always encourage friends and family to donate their vehicles instead of selling them.
This holiday season, let’s practice walking each other home (or, in some cases, driving each other home.)
