Places to Donate a Car in the Boston Area
One organization taking donated cars is The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange ( MARE, 45 Franklin St., 5th Floor, Boston MA, 1-800-882-1176). According to the agency website, the organization’s stated goal is a great one: “finding a place called HOME” for kids in the Massachusetts foster care system. Founded in 1957, the group has a focus on helping “children who are traditionally harder to place” including sibling groups and kids with disabilities, according to the website. MARE is partially funded by the Massachusetts Department of Social Services.
According to MARE’s website, the group has an arrangement with Rte 128 Used Auto Parts & Sales in Waltham. The donated cars are sent to this company for “recycling.”
HOW TO DONATE A CAR TO MARE: Potential donors should keep in mind MARE has certain car prerequisites: the car must be a 1989 model or newer (though the site says some exceptions can be made). The donor must have the title and the VIN (vehicle identification number) in order to donate a car. If you fit these two requirements, you’re good to call. The next step is to go ahead and physically donate the car. Donors should call Robyn at Rte 128 Used Auto Parts and Sales (1-866-962-3678 – toll free) to arrange the donation. You can then drive your donor car to the Rte 128 yourself (40 Green St, Waltham) or ask Rte 128 to tow it for you. Towed cars must have air in the tires; call Robyn for further requirements. You can also submit this information via an online form available on their site (http://www.mareinc.org). As for tax deductions, the website advises you may be able to deduct fair market value for the donated car, but to check with your tax preparer. MARE will send a letter of receipt for your use as. Donating an old car to help a group find kids a new home – not a bad deal, tax deductible or not. Any remaining questions, call the MARE phone line and ask for Marcia Moussad.
Another organization looking for your used wheels in the Boston area is Boston Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis 300 Fifth Avenue Walt ham, MA 02451 781-487-0008) MS, as you may know, is a potentially debilitating nervous system disease which can effect a person’s physical and mental abilities in devastating ways. Boston Cure Project defines itself on its website as ” a national nonprofit dedicated to curing MS by determining its causes.” The organization is an official 501c federally registered non profit.
HOW TO DONATE TO BOSTON CURE PROJECT: According to its website, Boston Cure Project accepts vehicle donations through America’s Car Donation Charities Center. Potential donors are asked to call Boston Cure Project for donation forms or download the form from their site (http://www.bostoncure.org) . After the paperwork is processed, America’s Car Donation Charities Center will arrange for pickup of your vehicle and 70% of the proceeds the car brings in will benefit Boston Cure Project. Boston Cure Project’s website asks potential donors to check out more about Car Donation Charities on their site www.donateacar.com) Boston Cure Project notes on their site that they may not be able to take all cars, but will let you know ASAP if your car isn’t what they need.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Why not find out how the car you’re ready to junk might hold treasure for someone in need? For safety tips on donating cars in Massachusetts, check out consumer advisories on the Attorney General’s home page: http://www.ago.state.ma.us
