Father Joe Will Seek Auto Donations at Giant Used Car Tent Sale
Village Hopeful People Looking to Buy Cars Will Also Be in the Giving Spirit

   SAN DIEGO – St. Vincent de Paul Village will be collecting vehicle donations at the Giant Used Car Tent Sale at Qualcomm Stadium from Friday, December 17, through Tuesday, December 21. Organization staff will be on hand those five days from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accept not only auto donations, but also furniture, clothing, food, appliances, electronics and just about anything else that could turn a profit at one of its thrift stores.

   Father Joe Carroll, president of St. Vincent's, says partnering with the Giant Used Car Sale makes business sense.

   "We're anticipating that this event will be a win-win for both parties," he says. "There will be people coming down who initially planned on trading in their used car for a newer model, but instead will donate it.

   There will also be folks driving down to give their car to St. Vincent's who might find the car they're looking for at the sale and buy it on the spot."

   Father Joe says folks who have thought about donating their vehicles better plan on doing it prior to the end of the year because of a change in federal tax law that will drastically reduce their deduction amount for a car given to a charity.

   "Currently, folks get Kelley Blue Book value for their auto donation," says Father Joe. "On January 1 of next year, they will only be able to deduct the amount their vehicle sells for at auction, which typically is much less than it's blue book value."

   In addition to accepting auto donations, St. Vincent's staff will be on hand to collect donations of usable discards, food and even cash.

   "We're encouraging people to fill up their car with clothes, TVs and stereos, drive it down to the Giant Used Car Tent Sale and make one huge donation at Qualcomm," Father Joe says. ìThen they can turn around and by a car right there on-site."

   Father Joe adds that use of the stadium parking lot would not have been possible without the cooperation from organizers of the Giant Used Car Tent Sale. "Something else that is giant is their giving spirit," Father Joe says.

   For more information on the event (media only), call (619) 446-2109.

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