Bumper to Bumper Charity Cars
Donated cars give moms and their kids a fresh start

Wheeling Auto Center recently joined forces with their Chicagoland automotive colleagues in an unprecedented effort to help victims of domestic abuse rebuild their lives. With your assistance, this project had an unforgettable impact on our communities.

We were one of more than 120 Bumper to Bumper Certified Service Centers that teamed up with the nationally-acclaimed non-profit 1-800-Charity-Cars to obtain, refurbish and donate 120 roadworthy vehicles to individuals for whom a vehicle is one of their most pressing needs. For these victims of domestic abuse, a vehicle is key in their quest to start over. It gives them the freedom and the ability to travel to and from home, school and work. Those who donated a qualified car, van, pickup or SUV, gained the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped someone right here in our community. With the new tax laws, donating individuals also receive the full retail value tax deduction when the vehicle is given to a struggling family.

How did the Bumper to Bumper Charity Cars program work? Simple. First, generous individuals such as Wheeling Auto customer Elizabeth Gardner, whose car is pictured above, donated a vehicle that their family could do without. Second, we worked hard to refurbish the vehicle and ensure its safety and roadworthiness. We contributed all of the required labor, while our partners at Lee Auto Parts provided all necessary parts. Our project culminated on Sunday, October 16 between 11am and 3pm, with a joyous presentation ceremony at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd. in Rosemont. The 120 recipients received the keys to their “new” vehicles during this ceremony. Everyone who attended the presentation of Charity Cars enjoyed a car show, DJ, food and refreshments, and a free vehicle inspection lane. Wheeling Auto Center was proud to be a part of such a worthy and successful cause.

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