Record year for American Legion vehicle donation program

American Legion members helped establish a record year for the organization’s vehicle donation program in 2020.

That year 275 vehicles were donated through Charitable Auto Rides & Services Inc. (CARS), generating about $141,500. Proceeds from each auction sale through CARS go to American Legion charities and programs.

In the first full year of using CARS, the Legion experienced rapid growth in the number of donated vehicles. For example, in December 2019, just eight vehicles were donated compared with 98 last month.

“First and foremost, CARS is an extremely proud ally of The American Legion,” said Jim Strassburg, director of national business development at CARS. “We hold the mission of supporting our brave veterans, and advocating for patriotism, in very high regard. Our first year can only be seen as a very successful relationship.”

Strassburg predicts that revenue generated from donated cars, trucks, boats, and RVs will continue to trend upward.

“We anticipate a tremendous year (2021) for The American Legion,” he said. “We estimate volume and corresponding revenue to grow by up to 60 percent. With the vehicle donation market still strong, and additional promotions and marketing being implemented monthly, we anticipate this CARS program to be a significant revenue stream for The American Legion for years to come.”

For more information, visit legion.careasy.org/home.