Saratoga News Cash for Cars program earns money for schools By Michelle Alaimo Got an extra car parked in the driveway? The Saratoga Education Foundation wants to take that old clunker or spare vehicle off your hands. In return, donors will get a tax write-off. Since the program began in February, the SEF's Cash for Cars has garnered and sold more than 14 cars, netting a cool $15,800 for public schools in Saratoga. Donated cars are sold by the St. Vincent de Paul Society in San Jose, with half the proceeds going to SEF and the other half to charities of St. Vincent de Paul. The society assumes liability for the car while it sits for sale at its lot in San Jose. "They sell the cars really fast, usually within two weeks," program coordinator Charleen Chiang said, adding that many are sold below their actual market price. "They pretty much sell the car as it was driven in." The process is simple for donors, Chiang said. All that is needed is a pink slip and proof of registration. The donor then receives a tax-deductible receipt from St. Vincent de Paul stating the make, model and mileage of the car. The donor helps determine the car's value based on the Kelley Blue Book listing. Donor Cyndy Riordan said she gave an '81 BMW with more than 200,000 miles on it for the tax deduction. "It benefited me more to donate it than to try to sell it," Riordan said. Chiang has also donated a car and said the program is a win-win situation for both donors and schools. About 80 percent of the cars SEF has received so far have all been in running condition, Chiang said. She adds that one of the cars that didn't run only needed a new battery. The program is off to an excellent start this year, according to Chiang. In the first two weeks of school, SEF had already received four cars. For more information on donating a vehicle, contact Chiang at 741-1675. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, September 23, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.