C.A.R.S. Ministry ®

The C.A.R.S. Ministry is a self-supporting ministry of Willow Creek Community Church that relies solely on the generosity of donors for ministry operations. We work hard to maximize the value of each donated vehicle, enabling us to make more benevolent repairs and to give away more vehicles. We do this by utilizing optimal sales channels, such as public auto auctions, eBay online auctions, and dealer consignment. The C.A.R.S Ministry develops good relationships with salvage yards to yield higher-than-average values for vehicles that cannot be repaired. In addition, because all repair labor is done by volunteers, the full proceeds from the sale of any vehicle go back into the ministry, helping those we serve.

Your donation is utilized in one of the following ways:

• Giveaway: As much as we would like every car we take in to be given away, it’s not possible. The ideal vehicles that we would like to giveaway are 4-door, 4-cylinder, inexpensive on gas, repairs, and insurance. We foresee these vehicles lasting the qualified recipient at least two years. If and when properly maintained , we’ve known them lasting much longer. The vehicles that are given away are inspected and repaired, then test driven before the new owner takes possession.
• Sale: We have established relationships to help generate revenue for the ministry and thus recycle resources back to C.A.R.S. to help pay for the parts in other giveaway cars. We do this through a retail nationwide auction such as eBay motors: through a public auction in the Chicagoland area: through the consignment to local dealers who will sell vehicles on our behalf; and finally, if the vehicle is in a condition beyond repair we may need to sell it to a local salvage yard. Our relationship with local salvage yards enables us to yield higher-than-average values.

Once C.A.R.S. receives your donation, within 14 days we will notify you the way in which we intend to use your donation. If we determine that your vehicle will be used to further the ministry purposes, thus by giving your vehicle to a qualified individual or by using ministry funds to repair your vehicle, you are then allowed to take the fair market value for your vehicle as described in many car value guides (i.e. Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides). If we decide it’s not financially feasible to repair your vehicle and we dispose of it in the condition it was donated, you would be allowed to claim the amount we receive for the car. Within 30 days of its sale, we will notify you of the amount we received for it and the way in which it was utilized. Willow Creek Community Church is responsible for filing IRS form 1098-C on your behalf. We must have your Social Security number in order to file this form with the IRS.

All guests interested in receiving a car must meet with the Care Team to qualify. Eligibility is based on but not limited to income level, intended use of vehicle, and involvement at Willow. The Care Team offers appointments and accepts walk-ins during Care Center operating hours.  

Willow Creek Care Center Hours

• Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Thursdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 a.m.–10 a.m.