Car Donations
New Partnership with Cars of Hope Expands Vehicle Donation Opportunities

We are excited to announce that Lutheran Church Charities has formed a new partnership with Cars of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Like the LCC Human Care Team, Cars of Hope is dedicated to bringing hope to people in challenging situations by providing them with reliable transportation.
In the past, we could only accept donated vehicles that were in good working condition. Thanks to this new partnership, we can now accept vehicles that may need repairs—broadening the impact we can make together.
This collaboration also creates new opportunities to serve more individuals and families connected to LCMS churches. Through referrals to Cars of Hope, these families can now be considered to receive a donated vehicle.
We are truly grateful for this partnership and look forward to empowering more families with the gift of transportation and hope.
In the past, we could only accept donated vehicles that were in good working condition. Thanks to this new partnership, we can now accept vehicles that may need repairs—broadening the impact we can make together.
This collaboration also creates new opportunities to serve more individuals and families connected to LCMS churches. Through referrals to Cars of Hope, these families can now be considered to receive a donated vehicle.
We are truly grateful for this partnership and look forward to empowering more families with the gift of transportation and hope.
Interested in Donating a Vehicle?
Your unused or older vehicle—whether it's in great shape or needs a few repairs—could become a life-changing gift for a family in need. To learn more about how to donate, please email: [email protected]. We are thankful for this new partnership and the opportunity to serve more families with compassion and care--one vehicle at a time. 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. |
Recently Donated Vehicles Delivered to Families in Need
VAN DONATION WITH WHEELCHAIR LIFT TRANSFORMS THE LIFE OF A SINGLE MOM IN NEED
We are overjoyed to share an inspiring story that exemplifies the compassionate spirit of Lutheran Church Charities and the profound impact of community support. Recently, we were informed by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell, Iowa, that a single mother faced a daunting challenge as she cared for her daughter and granddaughter, both of whom rely on wheelchairs for mobility. When her van, the lifeline for her family's transportation needs, broke down beyond repair, despair began to set in. The cost of repairs was simply out of reach, and the weight of her responsibilities felt heavier than ever. Just when this courageous mother reached out for help, a divine intervention occurred. The very next day, we received an unexpected call from a generous donor who had a van equipped with a working wheelchair lift, ready to be donated. This act of kindness serves as a beautiful testament to the power of faith and community, reminding us that when we trust in God's timing, He provides for our needs in ways we could never imagine. With immense gratitude, we are thrilled to present this mother and her family with a vehicle that symbolizes not just transportation but a renewal of hope and independence. The gift of mobility means they can attend medical appointments, engage in community activities, and simply enjoy the freedom of going where they need to go. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible donor who made this possible and to everyone in our community for their unwavering support. Together, we have woven a tapestry of compassion that uplifts those in need and demonstrates the love of Christ in action. (November 2024) reliable transportation helps MICHIGAN PASTOR SERVE his community
We are thrilled to announce that LCC has been able to provide Rennie Kaufmann at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Michigan, with a much-needed vehicle. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, Pastor Kaufmann will now have reliable transportation to help him share the love and grace of Jesus Christ throughout his community. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Pastor Kaufmann and his ministry, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this vehicle will have on his work. Thank you to our donor for their kindness and support. (January 2024) 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. (July 2023) |
DRIVEN BY KINDNESS: ONE DONOR’S GIFT FUELS A JOURNEY OF HEALING
When a story from our Making a Difference newsletter reached the hands—and heart—of a generous donor, something incredible happened. Deeply moved by the needs of a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Des Plaines, IL, recovering from surgery, this donor stepped up in a powerful way: by providing a dependable vehicle to help Joseph get to vital medical appointments. Joseph (center), the vehicle recipient, with Pastor Tony Davison from Immanuel, Des Plaines, and Denise Snider, LCC Human Care Director What began as a simple story of need sparked a beautiful act of compassion. This one gift is now making a world of difference in someone’s healing journey. Thanks to the continued support of Pastor Tony and the caring Immanuel church community, this donation is doing far more than providing transportation—it’s offering hope, dignity, and a way forward. We are filled with gratitude for the kindness that turned a moment of inspiration into lasting impact. (April 2025) LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES PROVIDES A VAN FOR A SYRIAN FAMILY
We are pleased to announce that thanks to a generous donation, Lutheran Church Charities was able to provide a reliable van for a Syrian family working with Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois. The family, consisting of eight members, including Khalil, his father, mother, sister, wife, and three children, arrived in the United States in September after waiting for 12 years to be relocated from Turkey. This donation will greatly assist the family in their resettlement and we are honored to have been able to make a positive impact in their lives. (May 2024) |