November is typically the time of year to give thanks and that's what Good News Garage is doing this month! We know the decision to donate a car is a big one and we appreciate the trust our donors have shown by selecting us. All donated cars, trucks, vans (and also RVs, boats and lawn tractors) are vital to the success of our program. They are the "fuel" that helps change lives throughout New England. During these challenging economic times, we understand the decision to keep a car longer, so we are especially appreciative for our car donors this year.

 

Good News Garage celebrated 15 years this year. More than 4,000 families have received cars throughout New England. But we need your help for so many more families who are waiting for cars! There is still time to donate your car, truck or van before January 1st - even titles signed on December 31st will qualify for a tax deduction for 2011. Help us change more lives throughout New England. Don't have a vehicle to donate this year? Tell a friend who is considering car donation to research Good News Garage. Or, make a financial donation to help support our program.

We wanted to share some stories about how Good News Garage utilizes the gifts we are given and how they make an impact over the long-term.

Tashanda moved from New York City to Vermont seeking a job. Initially, Tashanda utilized GNG’s Ready To Go program, which transported her two-year old son to daycare and Tashanda to her internship. Months later, she received a Good News Garage car, which allowed her to finish school, earn her salon license and get a job. After the car had served her well for six years, she donated the car back to Good News Garage!

Geraldine in Southwick, Mass., donated a handicap-equipped Dodge Caravan that was sold for $5,300 to support our programs. This helped fund the repairs for a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe for Wanda in Hartford,
Conn., a 2001 Saturn L200 for Dana in Providence, R.I., a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan for Darlene in Milford, Conn., and a 1996 Volkswagen Passat for Faith in New Bedford, Mass. That’s one donation fueling the repairs for four New England families. Thank you so much, Geraldine!
 

Janette, from Rhode Island, received one of the ten Chevrolet Impalas donated to Good News Garage on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009. In addition to driving to a new job, she uses the car to take her grandson to hockey games, volunteer at her church, and drive clients to medical appointments.

David and Michelle of N.H. found the decision to donate to Good News Garage an easy one as they regularly give back to their community. In 2003, the family donated a ’98 Dodge Stratus when they were purchasing a new car. Then in 2009, the couple won a new moped in a raffle and decided to donate to Good News Garage a second time. This vehicle was provided to a resident of Manchester, N.H. who was working two jobs and didn’t own a vehicle.