Fact #72:
It's estimated that 40% of people with lupus develop chronic kidney disease.
The Kidney Cars Program
America's largest car donation program, Kidney Cars allows your unwanted vehicle (car, truck, boat or van) to beome a life-saving machine. Some of the features that make Kidney Cars great:
• Vehicles can be running or not, as long as they are whole and have a clear title • Free year-round, nationwide pickup • Fully licensed and insured • Each vehicle is checked to insure it is not stolen • Service providers meet all local and federal EPA requirements
How Kidney Cars Works The process starts when donors call 800-488-CARS (2277) or log onto www.kidneycars.org. A National Kidney Foundation (NKF) representative will answer any questions about Kidney Cars program procedures. The donor completes a packet and odometer statement, returning it with the signed title.
Once the completed packet is received, the donor is contacted to schedule the tow. All donors receive an acknowledgment letter from the NKF referencing the make, model and vehicle identification number of the vehicle. Kidney Cars are either sold at dealer-only auctions or to licensed recyclers. All proceeds from either transaction benefits the National Kidney Foundation affiliate serving the donor’s community.
Who Benefits From Donations To Kidney Cars? The Vehicle Owner The Kidney Cars Program is a FREE and easy way to get rid of unwanted vehicles, for people who are:
• Interested in supporting programs and services of the NKF • Seeking a potential tax deduction • Unwilling to go through the time, expense, loss of privacy and possible security risk of selling the vehicle themselves • Unhappy with the trade-in value offered for the vehicle • Concerned with clearing their property of unwanted vehicles • Tired of paying registration fees, property taxes and insurance premiums on an infrequently used vehicle • Spending too much on repairs
The Environment Last year, more than thousands of unwanted vehicles were donated to the NKF. All Kidney Cars that are no longer in working order are recycled for parts and ultimately, shredded. The availability of these parts means a cost savings passed on to the consumer. It is estimated that last year alone more than 42,000 tons of material were collected and recycled through the NKF’s efforts, putting to new use material that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.
Families who are affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Every one in nine adults will be affected by chronic kidney disease. More than 20 million Americans are currently affected by kidney disease. 20 million more are at- risk because of diabetes or high blood pressure.
What Do Donors Have to Say About KIDNEY CARS?
Lynne & Steve after donating their 1990 Honda Accord & 1966 Ford pick-up: "The Kidney Cars program is EXTREMELY user-friendly. There weren't any "hoops" to jump through, and we feel it is one of the best car donation programs around."
Rosemary, who's husband was on dialysis, donated her car to Kidney Cars because, "The Kidney Cars program was posted at our dialysis center where we were generoulsy blessed by caregivers and information."
Janelle donated her 1996 Ford Contour because it was "Quick and easy - they pickup the vehicle." And "the donation helps people with kidney problems."
Many believe Rusty Wallace is the best short-track driver in NASCAR history. A former NASCAR champion, a NASCAR Nationwide Series car owner, ESPN broadcaster and co-host of the TV series “NASCAR Angels”, he has added NKF’s Kidney Cars spokesman to his lest of endeavors! Rusty is now featured in new TV and radio commercials and print ads for NKF’s Kidney Cars donation program.
Rusty offered to help NKF after learning a business partner of his had kidney disease. You can see the entire Rusty Wallace Kidney Cars campaign at www.kidneycars.org.
