Drive Hope: Donating a Car to Change a Life

Let’s Change Someone’s Life — Together

Hi friends, This past weekend, Elena and I took part in what we’re now calling The Great Car Exchange.

It went something like this: Elena and I drove to Dayton, Ohio. Amelia drove up from Harrogate, Tennessee, and we swapped cars. Then Elena and I drove to Valparaiso, Indiana, where Henri met us from Appleton, Wisconsin — another swap. Finally, Elena and I drove back to Detroit in Henri’s 2014 Ford Escape… with 170,000 miles on it. Not the most eco-friendly road trip, but it had to be done.

The original plan was simple: clean up the car and sell it. But then I started thinking (and as Elena will tell you, this is usually where I get into trouble). I looked up the car’s value and asked myself, “What would I do with that money?” That’s when I remembered something Elena once told me — about people she used to work with who took two buses just to get to work, sometimes spending 1–2 hours each way.

And I thought: they need this car more than I need a that money.

I ran the idea by Elena, and she immediately said, “Sounds great, do it!” — then went right back to watching old episodes of Married with Children.

So here’s the plan: I’ll donate the car. With your help, we’ll cover one year of gas, one year of insurance, the cost of plates and registration, and extra money for some repairs that may come up for someone who really needs a break. This car won’t change the world, but it will change someone’s world — someone who’s been getting up early, staying out late, and doing whatever it takes just to make it to work and back every day. Let’s give them a leg up.

How you can help: • Donate to this GoFundMe — every bit helps. • Know someone who details cars and would donate their time? We could use their help too (we need to get the “Henri smell” out… LOL). Thanks in advance for your kindness, generosity, and support. Let’s do something beautiful together.

-Matthew