A Jefferson City nonprofit that provides vehicles to families struggling to get on their feet has immediate need for two vehicles.
Working Wheels for Working Families (WW4WF) would like to provide cars to two single mothers. The organization is asking anyone who has a vehicle they no longer need - or anyone who knows somebody with an extra vehicle - to contact them about donating it.
To donate, call 573-691-3653 or go to the organization's website at ww4wf.com. The nonprofit accepts and reconditions donated vehicles from the general public and puts them in the hands of pre-qualified, low-income families struggling to find reliable transportation.
Donors gain a substantial tax advantage that is not available with most other charities - they may be able to deduct up to the full fair market value of their vehicle. The vehicles are sold to the families at a price significantly lower than fair market value. (Low-interest loans may also be provided to help families build credit, according to the nonprofit's website.)
WW4WF on Friday delivered a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica to Lucinda Crutchfield, a single mother of four who lives in Jefferson City. Don and Sue Alberti donated the vehicle, which they have driven for 198,000 miles, to the program.
"When we gave it away, we kind of cried," Don Alberti said. "We had grandkids who were really young when we got it. They sat in the back row."
The couple heard about the program through their church, First United Methodist Church. They understood there are people who are less fortunate than themselves.
"Getting a job's one thing. But a lot of people don't have transportation," Don Alberti said. "It's a different world out there than you and I may be exposed to very much."
Crutchfield, a video teller at Missouri Credit Union, said she was floored by the generosity.
"A friend of mine knew I was having car issues," she said. "I filled out the application, and they accepted me."
WW4WF strives to give each family a car that will work best for them, Director Lorie Smith said.
"The fact that she has four children shows that she needs a big car," Smith said. "And, she actually paid $400 for it."
Crutchfield picked up her new vehicle at The Car Guys, a repair shop at 406 Monroe St. The shop provides inspections for free and is generous with labor to get the cars in safe working order.
Smith said the need for cars is significant right now.
"We need more vehicles," she said. "We have two single mothers who need cars right now. We just really need people to donate."