The July 4th weekend is fast-approaching, and it’s one of the biggest holidays for car deals! Advertisements for car sales will bombard us this weekend, and as exciting as it is to buy a new car, many people would be happy with any car that provides reliable transportation.
For families who are unable to afford a car of their own or conveniently access public transportation, the lack of reliable and affordable transportation options can put a significant strain on their ability to provide for themselves and their families.
“Jacob,” an underemployed husband and father of two has an old vehicle that cannot be repaired. Jacob was accepted to a professional training course sponsored by a major corporation, which will culminate in a good paying job, but he cannot attend the training without a car.
After 20 years of marriage “Sarah’s” husband and father of her three children committed a crime which sent him to prison for life. As she struggled to build a new life, Sarah was diagnosed with an illness that requires her to take several medications and make frequent visits to her doctor. Sarah must also work extra hours at her job to ensure she can afford her medicines. She does not have a car and needs a vehicle to ensure she can take extra shifts at her job, manage her medical appointments and care for her children.
JF&CS refers people like Jacob and Sarah to Community Auto through our critical needs program, SOS Pittsburgh, and many others call or visit in hopes of purchasing an affordable vehicle that will help them create a better life. Community Auto is a county-wide car donation program run by North Hills Community Outreach, which helps families in hardship, poverty and crisis, much like the work of JF&CS. Low-income working families like Sarah’s and Jacob’s who need transportation to get to work can purchase vehicles at Community Auto at below-market value. The donated vehicles receive necessary repairs and safety inspections, and the buyer receives a valid inspection sticker, full tank of gas, one-year AAA membership, six-month warranty and new car seats for children if needed.
When you mention that you were referred to Community Auto by JF&CS, our agency receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the car. In supporting a family in need of a vehicle, you are in turn supporting the tireless work of our agency. When you donate a vehicle to Community Auto and it goes to a low-income working family in need, you receive the best possible tax deduction by deducting the full fair market value for your car. Many families are waiting, and Community Auto needs cars immediately.
At JF&CS, we are eternally grateful for the volunteer time, money and goods that help us improve lives every day, for every client–and we thank you for helping us to deliver on that promise.
To change lives in our community and support JF&CS by donating your vehicle, call Community Auto at 724-443-8300 or visit www.communityauto.org.
If there is another way you would like to financially support JF&CS, or if you would like to explore additional donation options, please check out the sidebar to the right or call Melissa Goodfriend at 412-586-3777 or email mgoodfriend@jfcspgh.org.