Donate the Old Clunker Sitting in Your Yard

9/18/2020

Categories: General

Still Hanging on to that Old Clunker?

If you've got an extra car taking up space in your driveway or on your lawn, consider donating it to Newgate School. You can get a tax break, and the neighbors won't complain about your extra driveway decor.

Give New Life to Grandma's Old Car

Most of us have faced the problem of a parent or grandparent who can no longer drive. Besides dealing with the emotional toll of losing their independence, you may also get stuck in their old car.

You could try to sell it privately, but that is a big hassle, especially when you need to deal with the title transfer. Newgate School accepts vehicle donations of all kinds: cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, you name it, we take it! And we'll handle the title transfer, too.

If You Can't Trade It, Donate It.

If you've tried to trade in your old car for a sweet new ride, you know the frustration of getting good trade-in value. Every car donation to Newgate School is tax-deductible. We use donated vehicles in our programs that train students in auto mechanics and body repair.

Once the car gets repaired and reconditioned inside and out, we will either offer it for sale or give it to a local working mother who needs reliable transportation.

We Love Fixer-Uppers!

Newgate is a not-for-profit school that provides tuition-free training to young men and women looking for a stable career. If you've got a car you no longer use because it's old or needs repair, call us. Your problem car provides our students with an opportunity to learn from body damage to engine repair and transmission work.

How Your Donation Can Lower Your Tax Bill

There are two ways that we determine the amount of the deduction on your donated vehicle:

The amount we get for the car when we sell it
The vehicle’s fair market value if we donate it

Newgate School has been operating as a non-profit for over 40 years: we know how to get the maximum value from your donation. Our staff is happy to walk you through completing the IRS forms to claim your deduction when you file.

If the Kids' Old Car Conked Out, Call Us

That car you got your kids when they got their license is now well past its prime. The kids have moved on, and now that old jalopy is perma-parked in front of your house. Before the Homeowner's Association calls you, give us a call.

Your vehicle donation to Newgate School will make a massive difference in many people's lives. If you're looking for a virtually hassle-free way to get rid of a surplus vehicle, call us.

White Bear Mitsubishi Partners Up to Help with Wheels for Women Program

8/19/2020

Categories: Events

Life-Changing Programs in the Twin Cities

Not long ago, Twin Cities Live hared the story of a new partnership: Richard Herod III, the general manager at White Bear Mitsubishi, wanted to help the Wheels for Women Program at the Newgate School in Minneapolis.

This program is terrific. It provides vehicles to mothers who are without reliable transportation. Since that story aired, White Bear Mitsubishi and the Newgate School have seen an overwhelming response from you at home who want to help. Thank you.

They've already awarded another recipient with a much-deserved car. Twin Cities Live photographer Drew Schingen, stopped by the Newgate School to see the impact Wheels for Women is making.

When asked of their partnership with the Newgate School, Herod added, "White Bear Mitsubishi is proud to partner for the wheel for women program because we think it's really important to help single mothers get back on their feet, particularly if they have kids and need a way to work. This is a unique opportunity for people to donate their vehicles to the Newgate School. It's tax-deductible. The vehicles are used within the training program for the school. They help educate technicians and people who want to learn body repair. At the end of it, Newgate uses the proceeds from the sale of the vehicles to help teach those kids. They also use the vehicles as a donation to deserving mothers."

Shantell Mullen is a student in the Newgate Program. "I've been a student4 at Newgate for about a month. So far, I'm really enjoying the learning process. The instructors are very thorough. They know everything that you need to know, and no question is a stupid question. They always have the answer for you. They also teach you how to find your own answers, which is really good.

Kimberly Brown tells her story: "While I was driving down Randolph, I was getting ready to pass Saratoga. A guy came and sideswiped me. We went to the hospital on the same day. I had a minor concision. My eldest daughter injured her foot under the seat from the impact. She had some bruising and a sprained ankle. My youngest daughter hit the bridge of her nose. We've only been able to make a few doctor's appointments and had to cancel some of them since we no longer had a vehicle. I've missed several days of work because we didn't have a car."

Ms. Brown was amazed by her donated car from the Wheels for Women program. Despite having over 100,000 miles on it, it had a lot left in the tank. It needed repairs on the brakes and exhaust. Students in the Newgate program also covered the minor and routine things, including a complete inspection to ensure it was running right.

"I love the car. The car is fabulous. It is so beautiful. I don't even know how to say thank you enough. It's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous," exclaimed Ms. Brown.

Mr. Herod understands how impactful the Wheels for Women program really is. "Single parents work hard to put food on the table. They work hard to pay bills, to clothe us. If it wasn't for these kind gifts from the Salvation Army and whatnot, I wouldn't be who I am today. I think it's great to be in a position to give back to the community and help encourage others to also participate."

Ms. Mullen has come full circle with the Newgate School program: "When my son was two years old, I needed a car. I was just starting out. I just got a new job. I actually came here to get my car. Now here I am learning the process. I'm on the other end and working on cars to provide people the same push that I got."

Your Story is Their Story

The story of the students in the Newgate School program, along with stories of the countless mothers who have received a car through the Wheels for Women program, belongs to every one of us. If you'd like to donate a car to the Newgate school, stop by with the title. We can take care of the rest. If you're a single mother in need of a reliable vehicle or someone looking to join the program, contact us today to learn how the Newgate School can help turn your life around.

Helping Single Mothers in MN Regain Their Independence

7/24/2020

Categories: General

Helping Single Mothers in MN Regain Their Independence

A reliable car can make the difference when it comes to being self-sufficient. As you get older, owning a dependable vehicle is a sign of true independence. It gives you the ability to get where you need to go. This independence is especially important for single moms.

The hard-working staff at White Bear Mitsubishi has teamed up with the Newgate School in Minneapolis to provide single moms with much-needed transportation.

The Newgate School has been part of the Twin Cities community for over forty years. We started in 1975 with a mission to help support lower-income young adults. These men and women learn to become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.

Wheels for Women starts in the 1980s after we noticed a high need from a specific group of people: single mothers. The lack of access to reliable transportation is a real barrier to this group. These moms have difficulty finding work, managing a household, and raising children.

White Bear Mitsubishi is proud to partner with the Newgate School’s Wheels for Women program in several ways:

Become a drop site where people can donate vehicles to the school
Helping source vehicles to donate to the program

One recipient of a repaired car said, “It was the biggest blessing. Me and my kids have to walk about ten blocks to get on the bus. We have to leave around 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, so I can get them to daycare and make it to work on time. I have a 12-year-old son, a nine-year-old daughter, and boy-girl twins who are seven. Caiden is my video gamer. Kylie is definitely the mother figure; she loves taking care of people. My twins are crazy. They get in trouble quite often as they are mischievous. We’re able to go out and do more. I don’t have to rely on other people or the bus system to take us places. It could take a week just to go grocery shopping just because I’d have to wait on a ride, or you can only take four bags on the bus. Thank you again for this blessing. It meant the world to me and my kids.”

The most important part of our program is the car donations that we get from the community. We depend on those and the generosity of the people who bring those into us. The Newgate School uses donated vehicles to help educate and train students on vehicle repair. Whether it’s engine repair or body repair, all vehicles donated get fixed up so they can be donated to eligible mothers.

Vehicles can also be fixed up so they can be sold to help fund the school. The school doesn’t actually charge tuition for students learning how to fix engines or body issues.

Our goal is to at least give away three cars per month. That’s 36 cars per year. With the new partnership we have with White Bear Mitsubishi, we’re really hoping to expand that program.

“Coming from a single-parent household myself in a low-income situation, I certainly identify with the program. It’s really great to be part of it,” says Richard, one of the Newgate Schools employees.

If you would like to donate a car to the Newgate School or you’re in need of a car through their Wheels for Women program, you can learn more by visiting www.newgateschool.org.

A Chance for Change

The programs at the Newgate School wouldn’t operate without generous donations from members of the community. Your car donation helps at-risk students learn valuable skills while also providing reliable transportation to those in need. Your donation can even earn you a sizable tax credit.

Don’t let an unused car go to waste when it could make a huge impact on your community. Contact the Newgate School today to learn more.

Flat Tire? How to Change a Tire Like a Pro

6/14/2019

Categories: General

How to change a tire

You’re taking a well-deserved weekend trip to enjoy some fresh air and your favorite Minnesota lake. Then suddenly, you feel and hear a thump, followed by some vibrations and a loud flapping noise. You spot a safe location to pull over. And once get out of your car, you notice that one of your tires has gone completely flat.

What do you do?

Your car insurance may offer road-side assistance, but you also have a spare tire and a jack on you. The only problem is you’re not sure how to change a tire.

How to Change a Tire

Car maintenance has never been your thing but lucky for you, we have you covered because changing a tire is simple and important to know how to do properly.
Here’s a list of what you need to change a tire:
• A Jack
• Lug wrench
• Replacement (spare) tire
• Vehicle owner’s manual

Bonus points if you also have these available, too:
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Screwdriver
• Wheel wedges
• Wood (small cut 2 X 6)

Follow these next steps to become an expert in tire replacement:

1. First thing to do is find a safe space to park: If possible, avoid high-traffic areas and definitely avoid hills, dirt, and grass.
2. Now secure your vehicle: Turn on your hazards, engage your emergency or parking brake and if you have a wheel wedge, put it in place.
3. Remove the hubcap or wheel cover: If your vehicle has a hub cap or wheel cover remove this with the flat end of your lug wrench to expose your lug nuts. This works for most vehicles, but you might want to consult your vehicle owner’s manual because some hub caps use a different tool, like a screwdriver, to be removed.
4. Loosen the lug nuts: Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. You may have to use some force, don’t be afraid if you use your foot or body weight to accomplish this. After breaking this resistance, loosen the lug nuts about a quarter to half of a turn but DO NOT completely remove them.
5. Lift your vehicle: Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the best place to secure your jack and follow their directions carefully. The usual placement for the jack will be beneath the vehicle frame, alongside the tire that is flat. Some vehicle’s frames have molded plastic on the bottom with a cleared area of exposed metal specifically for the jack. Carefully raise your vehicle at least six inches off the ground, or however much is needed past that. If you notice any instability lower your vehicle and then reposition the jack. NEVER place a jack under the axle or suspension member.
6. Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire: Loosen and remove all lug nuts. Place these in a secure location because you’ll need them again when you put your spare tire on. Carefully remove the tire by slowly sliding it straight off the lug bolts. Place it flat on the ground.
7. Install the spare tire: Be sure that the spare tire is correctly lined up with the lug bolts on the car and then slide it on them. Screw the lug nuts back on by turning them clockwise, only hand tight.
8. Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground, then remove the jack. Fully tighten the lug nuts by turning them clockwise and replace the hub cap or wheel cover.
9. Clean up and go: Place your flat tire in your vehicle’s trunk and clean up your tools. Be sure to inspect your area, gather up any other belongings, and then you can be back on your way.

A Note of Caution: Many spare tires provided in vehicles are not full-sized normal tires, because of this it’s important to only drive short distances and at lower speeds to not damage your vehicle until you can get a full-size replacement tire. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for further instruction and any warnings regarding use of the provided spare tire.

Learn More from Newgate School

That wasn’t too hard, was it? For more tips on how to maintain your vehicle, stay connected with our blog page for helpful resources on car maintenance. And if you’d like to learn more about Newgate School and how your car donation in the Twin Cities can help low-income young adults find rewarding careers as auto body technicians, browse through our website or contact us today!

Is Donating a Car Good for the Environment?

5/24/2019

Categories: General

Is Donating a Car Good for the Environment?

The short answer is yes! If you're interested in "going green" this year, you might wonder what sort of activities you can do to show your support for environmental protection.

Perhaps, you already practice the following daily habits:

• Recycling
• Opting for reusable shopping bags
• Conserving both water and electricity

These small changes in your routine offer huge benefits to the environment! Now what about some of those bigger decisions you’ve made in life, such as donating a car to charity? Why is this practice such a huge win for the environment—and also your community?

Why is Donating Your Car Good for the Environment?

Older vehicles can be inefficient with their fuel emissions. Therefore, no longer using these cars will cause less air pollution. In addition, leaks of oil, gas, and antifreeze from used vehicles can contaminate soil and water. Therefore, removing these unused cars from your driveway or yard helps protect the environment from getting exposed to such toxic fluids.
Recycling the steel parts within a vehicle can have massive environmental benefits, as well. It reduces the need of mining for iron ore, which can destroy wildlife habitats. In addition, recycling steel conserves a vast amount of energy rather than manufacturing new steel from raw iron ore.

Why is Donating Your Car Better for Your Community?

Your choice to donate a car is a conscious decision that ends up helping others in your community.

How does it do this?

You’re giving an individual and/or family the support and resources they need to go to work (i.e. contribute to the local economy) and provide for their loved ones (driving to grocery store, school activities, doctor’s appointments, etc.)

At Newgate School, we take your donation a step further. When you donate your car, you’re giving a second chance on life for underemployed men and women, as well as single working mothers. Our vocational school offers free tuition to help students receive hands-on training to prepare them for future careers in the automotive industry. And their training begins with your donated vehicle!
Once vehicles are repaired, many of them are sold at auction, and those funds go right back into our school’s programs, allowing us to offer more opportunities for young adults to enroll in our programs, graduate, and become responsible, working citizens. And many of the vehicles that are not auctioned off are given (free of charge) to single, working mothers—as part of our Wheels for Women program.

Remember, the more you actively invest in your community, the more you make it a better place to live, work, and grow!

Why Is Donating Your Car Also Better for You?

Aside from all the outstanding community benefits it offers, donating your car can also save you time, money, and hassle. Between taking out an ad, negotiating a price, and filtering out real potential buyers, you can spend a ton of your free time trying to sell your old car without much success.
If you choose to donate your old car, truck, or van in the Twin Cities, we invite you to contact us to learn more about our nonprofit school, the programs we offer, and why Newgate is the best car donation charity in Minnesota!