Charity Turns Car Donations Into Life Changers

MIAMI (CBS4) - Many of us have outgrown out cars and been unsure of what to do with them next. Should we trade them at a dealership and get pennies no the dollar or go through the hassle of trying to sell it.

One local organization says there is a third option which can have a domino effect of good in our community.

Donate it.

"Chariots 4 Charity was founded to help nonprofit 501 c 3's raise more money through a car, truck and boat donation program," explained founder Joe Janosik.

Chariots teamed up with Auto Tech and Body in Pompano to take in old cars, refurbish them and sell them with a portion of the profits going to local non-profits.

"They can select their own, it can be their own little church or organization, as long as it's a 501c3." said Janosik.

Sometimes they're able to give a car to a deserving driver too. For example, Barbara Jackson who gave Neighbors 4 Neighbors a call before they connected her to Chariots.

"We made the donation of an Oldsmobile to Ms. Barbara Jackson down in Miami so that she can now take her 22-year-old daughter with autism to the doctor, go shopping, do all of the basic necessities in life that we all take for granted," said Janosik.

One of Chariots' non-profit partners, the Super Swimmers Foundation, chose to have the car donated to Jackson.  They said they know the challenges she faces because they teach many children with autism how to swim.

"Our motto is 'Until the whole world swims'. We want children to swim safely and successfully in the water," explained founder Julie Gross.

So one old car brings on a whole new life for a local family and it's an experience that Charles Harbert, the donor of the car, is proud to share with others.

"In this day in age people need to start helping their neighbors, that's what it all comes down to a feeling that you've never experienced in your life - and it's only a feeling you get when you give to people," said Harbert.