Car Donations

​Do you have a car or van that still has some life left in it? Consider donating it to LCC. There is a constant need for reliable transportation. Your donation of a car or van can help families to get back on the road to financial stability. Your donation can Make A Difference in someone’s life. If you have a running vehicle to donate contact LCC at (866) 455-6466.

Vehicle Donation Policy

​All vehicles that are donated to LCC are used for our ministry or given out directly to families or individuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.

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Vehicles Needs

A NEW IMMIGRANT FROM NORTH AFRICA NEEDS A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO WORK

LCC received a request from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship Lombard, Illinois to help provide mom a reliable vehicle for a new immigrant from North Africa.

Dear Friends,
 
George, a new immigrant from North Africa, has recently joined Salam's Bible study in the southern suburbs of Chicago. George is 63 and does not speak English, but he has a driver's license. There is no public transportation where he lives, and he needs a car in order to commute to work.
 
If you have a car worthy of the road and could donate it to a Christian who is struggling to keep his head above water.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Hesham Shehab
Salam Christian Fellowship
Lombard, Illinois

If you have a running car to donate, contact LCC at (866) 455-6466.

SINGLE MOM OF TWO NEEDS A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO ACCEPT WORK PROMOTION

LCC received a request from Pastor Bill Yonker of Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, Illinois. The church is working with a single mom of two in need of a reliable vehicle.

Melissa is a single mom of two boys whom she has sole custody of and provides sole financial support for. These past three years she's been working her way up in her job at Kohl’s. In September of 2022, she was in a bad car accident that totaled her vehicle.
 
For the past two months, she has been relying on her parents to drive her back and forth to work and pick up her children from daycare. She's still waiting on the insurance to pay out the settlement, which will have her upside down on her car loan for $5,000. This is making it very difficult for her to secure a loan for another vehicle.
 
Recently, Melissa was offered a promotion at Kohl’s that would give her the financial stability she needs to support herself and her children. She is in need of reliable transportation to get back and forth to work or she will lose the promotion. Being able to get a vehicle would allow her to accept the promotion enabling her to financially support her family.
 
Thank you for considering helping Melissa.
 
Pastor Bill Yonker
Senior Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church
East Dundee, Illinois

If you have a running car to donate, contact LCC at (866) 455-6466.

RELIABLE VEHICLE NEEDED FOR STUDENT WHO IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AT IGLESIA EVANGELICA IN AURORA, ILLINOIS

LCC received a request from Rev. Alex L. Merlo of Iglesia Evangélica in Aurora, Illinois, to provide a reliable vehicle for Max who faithfully serves the church.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
 
I write to you today to request a vehicle that would help one of the most important people within our ministry. In our church in Aurora, Illinois, I'm the senior Pastor, and while I'm responsible for providing the message of God's good news, I couldn't be heard in all the places people now hear our message if it wasn't with the help of our multimedia department. And while I say department, in reality, it is a group of volunteer teens and our administrative assistant Max. He works part-time at San Pablo and is a full-time college student. Even with a full schedule, Max helps with all technology/media aspects of our church.
 
Unfortunately, Max’s car has given up, and being a student and only working part-time, he isn't able to just get a new one, especially in the current market. I appeal to you to help support a young man whose focus is to serve the Lord with all his given talents. We have witnessed his growth as a man but also as a servant of the Lord. His commitment to serving with excellence has now impacted other young men in our congregation to serve as well. We value Max, and while we can't financially meet his one need right now, we ask you to consider our request to provide this young man with a vehicle to continue being able to travel to and from church and school.
 
Thank you!
 
Sincerely grateful to your ministry,
Rev. Alex Merlo
Iglesia Evangélica
Aurora, Illinois

If you have a running car to donate, contact LCC at (866) 455-6466.

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Vehicles that have been donated and passed through to families.

A CAR DONATION PROVIDES A MUCH-NEEDED MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR PASTOR GARCIA AND HIS FAMILY

This past Thursday, Pastor Alex Merlo of Iglesia San Pablo in Aurora, Illinois, and Pastor Ferdinando Garcia picked up a car for Pastor Garcia, a recent refugee seeking asylum in the United States.
 
Nine months ago, the Mexican drug cartel threatened to kill Pastor Garcia for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to drug addicts and street people and interrupting drug sales. A week or so later, the cartel opened fire on the church and killed two congregation members. After that, the congregation and his family said that Pastor needed to leave.
 
Pastor Garcia has been in the United States for eight months and has had to ride a bike to work, grocery shopping, and church. This car is such a blessing because his wife and three daughters will be joining him at the end of the month. Because of this donation, he and his family will have a safe mode of transportation.

This donation makes a difference not only in the life of the family but also in the lives of the people he will minister to.

(7/11/2023)

A FATHER OF TWO IS GRATEFUL FOR VEHICLE DONATION TO TRAVEL TO WORK

Thanks to a generous donation, we have been able to provide a vehicle to an individual who is struggling financially and just trying to get back on his feet. He is caring for two children who are living with him, ages 13 and 15. The vehicle to travel to and from work will improve his situation, greatly.

"Gratitude simply does not adequately describe the joy this vehicle has brought."

(4/18/2023)

A CAR DONATION HELPS A CONVERT FAMILY OF SIX

This past week LCC was able to provide the resource of a car for Salam Christian Fellowship, Lombard, Illinois, to help one of the lay leaders of Salam. This family of six came from Iran in 2007 and had been among the families that started the Salam Christian Fellowship. Hameed and Salima (fictitious names) were baptized years ago and since had been serving in the ministries of Salam.

The family of six was down to one car now, and Hameed needed a small vehicle to commute to work. Salima needs to drive the kids to doctors' appointments (as the youngest daughter has health problems) and to schools. In addition, she drives the kids to church and brings the meals for the fellowship with her while the husband is at work. Their life had become almost impossible.

Thank you for showing the love of Christ to this convert family that was ostracized by its Middle Eastern community because of their faith in Jesus.

(8/4/2021)

Vehicle Donation Meets Transportation Need for Young Man Caring for His Disabled Mother

LCC received a vehicle request from Pastor John Moeller, St. Paul Lutheran in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for a young man who is a lifelong member. He lives with his disabled mother, holds two jobs and is pursuing a Pharmacy Tech career. LCC recently received a donation of car and Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, was able to present it to Pastor Moeller and this young man. This vehicle need has been met.
 
LCC thanks the donor for their generosity.

(Posted 3/23/2021)

VAN DONATION MEETS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS FOR AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY

Thank you to Daniel and Barb Polahar from Fairview Heights, Illinois, for the generous donation of their van to Enoch who is an immigrant from Congo.
 
On Friday, December 4, Enoch met with Barb and picked up the van. LCC worked through Christian Friends of New Americans to make the connection. This donation provides much needed transportation for Enoch and his family.

CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER'S NEED FOR A CAR HAS  BEEN Met

Thank you for the generous donation of a car by a member of Immanuel Lutheran, Palatine, to a Chicago Police officer and a father of three. The request came from Pastor Jason Pankau from Chicago Hope Church in Chicago, Illinois.
 
Pastor Pankau and Officer Henry picked up the car at LCC’s headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, on Thursday, October 8.
 
Officer Henry was thrilled and very grateful for the donation.

CHICAGO HOPE'S ACADEMY vAN  donation NEED MET

Thank you to Rob and Jennifer Fosness for their donation of a mini van to Chicago Hope Church as they partner with Chicago Hope Academy to minister to the students, their families and the community beyond the school. Your donation will help Chicago Hope Church to share God’s love and peace in a poor community where many people have lost hope.

vehicle donation allows a father of seven  to commute to a new job

On Saturday, August 1, Laurie Moher from Cincinnati, Ohio donated her 2004 Toyota Highlander to  John and Jeni Cathcart of Reading, Ohio, who are the proud parents of seven children, ranging in ages from 6 to 24. 

The Cathcart family is God-fearing, full of faith, and willing to help others whenever possible.  The Cathcarts often participate in, if not lead, youth group activities at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Reading, Ohio, and are active members in the Boy Scouts. 

Following a series of unfortunate layoffs in the teaching profession, the family has prayed for opportunities for Mr. Cathcart to find work.  As God often does, he has answered their prayers in unexpected ways and showered them with blessings.  Mr. Cathcart will return to work this autumn as a teacher in the Kentucky School System, and although the car he would have used to commute to his newly acquired job recently failed, the Cathcarts are now the grateful recipients of the car donated by Laurie. 

Laurie was moved to see that the donation of her vehicle was so appreciated and that it will be used by a family very much in need of such a gift.  

vehicle donation allows worship leader to continue his ministry

Thank you to Christine Rall from Davenport, Iowa for donating her 2008 Honda Civic to Jacob Davies from Plant City, Florida on February 19. Jacob is the Contemporary Worship leader at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Largo, Florida. Jacob’s truck, with over 300,000 miles on it, had recently stopped working and this donation allows him to continue his ministry. Truly an answer to prayer!

FAMILY VEHICLE DONATION NEED MET

Rev. Keith Haney is working with a family in need of a vehicle and he brought one of the children in to pick up a donated van. The van was donated by Andy and Sue Kunz, members of St. John's Lutheran Church in La Grange, Illinois. Thank you Andy and Sue! Because of your generous donation this family’s need has been met!

Vehicle Donation Helps Future Deaconess

Pastor Angel Morales from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora, Illinois, contacted LCC for assistance in securing a vehicle for a woman who is helping with him in outreach ministry. She currently is in the Deaconess studies at Concordia University. LCC was able to provide a vehicle that was donated by James and Korey Wysocki, members of Mt. Olive in Rockford, Illinois. LCC thanks the Wysocki’s for their donation to help this faithful servant.

Car Needed for Single Mom – Need Met

Vehicle need request from Pastor Steve Kass, Family in Faith Lutheran Church - Glendale Heights, Illinois has been met:

On Saturday, January 20, Shaina picked up a car that had been donated to LCC. Pastor Kass and the staff at Family of Faith have been working with Shaina, a single mom with two young sons. This donation of a car allows her to get to and from work. It also gives her new freedom in looking for better work and enables her as a single mother to provide and care for her family. Thank you so much for your donation.

Thank You John & Emil Blazina

​Lutheran Church Charities extends a heartfelt thanks to John and Emil Blazina for their continued generosity. On Tuesday, September 26, LCC President / CEO Tim Hetzner received another vehicle donation from John and Emil to help others in need. Thank you John and Emil for being a blessing to others!

CHRIST THE KING THANKS DONORS FOR PROVIDING A VEHICLE FOR THEIR MINISTRY TO CONTINUE SERVING THE COMMUNITY 

Thanks to the generosity of the Kipp Family of Naperville, Illinois, and member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, Illinois, the need for a vehicle for Christ the King Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois, has been met! Thanks to the donation, Christ the King will be able to continue their outreach work, picking up food and other supplies needed in their community.

(9/8/2021)

VAN DONATION ALLOWS SINGLE MOM TO CONTINUE WORKING

Working through Pastor Jason Pankau from Chicago Hope, LCC placed a donated van to meet the transportation need of a woman whom Chicago Hope is working with. Cindy is a single mom with two sons at home. She works full time and cares for her mom. Because she has not had a working vehicle, she has been taking an Uber to work daily, often having to pay as much as $60 per ride, then taking the bus home. Without the donation of the van, she was not sure how much longer she could continue at her job. Cindy has a deep faith and is tremendously thankful for the blessing of the van.
 
LCC thanks the donor for their generosity.

(5/12/2021)

VEHICLE DONATION MEETS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS FOR A LUTHERAN SCHOOL TEACHER

LCC received a request from Good Samaritan Ministries, Palatine, Illinois, for a Lutheran school teacher who needed a reliable vehicle. LCC received the donation of a car from Doug and Nona Schipull, members of Zion Lutheran Church, Norridge. Both Doug and Nona are retired educators.
 
Thank you, Doug and Nona, for extending the love of Christ and meeting the need of this teacher.

young veteran's Vehicle Donation Need Met

Dean and Carol Ulrich, L.E.R.T. volunteers and members of Immanuel Belvidere in Illinois, donated their 2004 Kia Sparta to meet the need of a young veteran from St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois.

Pastor Karim came with him to pick up the car at LCC’s Northbrook office. Thank you Dean and Carol for your generous donation that will provide much needed transportation for this young man in need!

Salam Church Vehicle Donation Need Met

LCC received a request from Pastor Hicham Chehab of Salam Church in Lombard, Illinois, for a car to be used by Babr Rhomri, a new worker at Salam who is working with Pastor Chehab to plant churches. A reliable vehicle will allow Babr to work in the community. Because of the generous donation of a car by Eric Klawitter, this need has been met.

Car Donation Helps Deaconess

Lutheran Church Charities was able to present Deaconess Lisa Molotla from Immanuel – Des Plaines, Illinois with a donated vehicle after her car was totaled in a car accident earlier this month. She thanks God and LCC for taking care of her needs in ways she never imagined. She sent a prayer of thanks to LCC, “God bless all of you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers! I remember again how blessed and weak I truly am, and that the Father will take care of me. Bless everyone at LCC in this New Year and as they go to take care of those suffering, alone and scared. In Jesus name! Amen.”

DOnations Presented to Penzol Family Children

​On Sunday, August 6, LCC staff members Maggie Hansa and Dianna Bonfield delivered a check and car to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Antioch, Illinois as they continue to minister to the Penzol children after the death of their mother earlier this summer. LCC and Beautiful Savior thank the many generous donors for their continued support of this family. Stephanie and Shane are truly thankful and blessed by the generosity of others. To date, the financial support as well as recently receiving a donated car from LCC generous donors has shown them the love of Jesus in their darkest hours. Pictured: Andy Gruen, elder at Beautiful Savior receiving check and vehicle title from LCC staff member Dianna Bonfield, Diane Hanson is a close family friend and mentor for the children of Katherine Penzol, Pastor Menk the vacancy pastor, and LCC Staff member Maggie Hansa. Diane Hanson delivered car to Stephanie Penzol. Stephanie and her brother, Shane, will now have transportation vs. walking this winter to their jobs.

Car Needed for Single Mom – NEED MET 

Vehicle need request from Pastor Steve Kass, Family in Faith Lutheran Church – Glendale Heights, Illinois has been met:
 
Friday morning, October 13, Sandi Helm, a volunteer staff member of Family in Faith Lutheran Church in Glendale Heights brought Shaina B to pick up a car that had been donated to Lutheran Church Charities from John & Emil Blazina. Your donation of the car will enable Shaina to get back and forth to work and enable her to drop her toddler and her 8 month old infant off at daycare or take them to the doctor when needed. The donation of the car will give her a new freedom, and enable her as a single mother to provide and care for her family. Thank you so much for your donation.

A DONATED VAN ENABLES CHRISTINA
TO FULFILL THE NEEDS OF HER JOB

In September 2019, Christina submitted a prayer request via Lutheran Church Charities’ (LCC) website which started with these words: “I am praying for a decent van or SUV to help me to be able to continue my employment.”
 
Christina had just returned to her job after a leave of absence due to a medical situation, and learned that she now needed a van or SUV to fulfill the needs of her job. Christina works for an agency in Northeast Ohio which serves individuals with disabilities and special needs. Some of her clients include a 74-year-old man who has been blind since he was born; an individual who suffers from seizures and needs to wear a protective helmet at all times; a wheel-chair bound woman, and an individual re-learning how to walk using two-arm crutches. Christina needed a vehicle that could easily carry all the special equipment and comfortably transport her clients. The car she had was not large enough, and to purchase a new vehicle was not financially feasible.

After receiving the prayer request, we called Christina and prayed with her, asking the Lord to meet her needs and provide a vehicle for her. No surprise however, the Lord had already set into motion an answer to her prayer! Reverend Tim Frick and his wife Sandi donated their 2002 Dodge Caravan Sport Van to LCC. When the details of Christina’s situation and her prayer request were recorded and reported, the pieces of this divine puzzle began to fall into place.

That’s not all! The Lord opened another door to help us deliver the van to Christina since she wasn’t able to travel to Illinois to pick it up. LCC staff member Dan Fulkerson was able to get the van as far as Portage, Indiana, and Christina and her husband traveled that distance to pick it up.
 
On Saturday, October 12, Christina and her husband were back home in Ohio with their newly acquired gift from God. Humbled by His goodness and thankful to Him, to Lutheran Church Charities, and to Reverend and Mrs. Frick, Christina shared her heartfelt gratitude to all.

Donated Van

​Pastor Richard Heinz from St. John Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois donated a van through LCC for use at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois. Pictured with Pastor Heinz is Pastor Warren Schilf from Immanuel.

​Refugee Mother from the Republic of Congo – Vehicle Recipient

On February 10, 2017, through a generous vehicle donation, LCC was able to provide Jedah with a much needed car to help her maintain consistent employment and provide for her two children. Pictured are Lee Straumann, Chicagoland Region Thrivent Financial Representative and Jedah.

​LCC Helps Mom With Newborn From Naplate, Illinois Get A New Car

In March 2017, LCC shared a story about a family from Naplate, Illinois who took shelter in their basement as a tornado passed through their community three hours after arriving home with their newborn daughter. Not only was their home damaged by the storm, but their recently purchased used car sustained so much damage that it was declared hazardous and unusable. With donations received, LCC helped Paige purchase a “new” car. She now has the transportation needed to be able to take her daughter to medical appointments and is very grateful for the generosity of LCC donors. Since that tragic day, Paige has returned to church and the baby will be baptized at Zion Lutheran in Ottawa, Illinois in May.