The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

December 31, 2007

Garage giving out good news to needy

By Andrea Meador

Good News Mountaineer Garage lives up to its name in providing good news not only for low-income families who need a reliable source of transportation, but also for the people who donate their cars to them as well.

“Donors get tax benefits first off,” Ann Arnold, Region Four director, said. “They also get the benefit of knowing that someone less fortunate can have a mode of transportation, which enables them to keep their jobs.”

Because the cars are recycled and given to low-income families, the donor can write off the fair market value of the vehicle on their federal taxes and get a tax deduction, according to Arnold. At this time, however, people cannot get credit on their state income taxes because the West Virginia Economic Development Office allocates them a certain amount a year and more money will not be available until the following spring.

“Anyone can donate their vehicle,” she said. “Most of the people who would benefit would be those who itemize on their taxes because they can get a federal tax deduction.”

Dependent on the make, model, mileage and the extent of repairs needed, the car undergoes an evaluation process and can then either be donated or sent to a garage for repairs.

“If the car is in need of some major repair work, then we won’t take it, but it really is dependent on all of these factors,” she said.

The recipients, who are referred by the Department of Health and Human Resources, are all on the WV Works program and have children under 18. According to Arnold, these people are having to work to get themselves off the welfare system and having a car is crucial.

“We provide them a car to give them a boost,” she said. “If you don’t have a car, especially out in the country, it makes it difficult to get to work or even to get your kids to school. Giving them a car can help them with their daily activities.”

To donate, call 1866-GIVE CAR or visit them on the Web at www.goodnewsmountaineergarage.com.

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