What is Cartober?

Cartober is a month-long October celebration, where cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and even boats are transformed into funding for nonprofits and charities nationwide. By donating a vehicle you no longer need, you can support the causes closest to your heart, whether that’s rescuing animals, keeping families close to their children in medical care, or ensuring your local public media station stays strong and independent.

The Story Behind Cartober

Cartober is powered by CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a San Diego-based nonprofit that has been helping organizations raise funds through vehicle donations since 2003. In the last two decades, CARS has built one of the largest vehicle donation programs in the nation, partnering with over 10,000 nonprofits.

Since its founding, CARS has returned more than $600 million to nonprofit partners across the U.S. and Canada. These funds have supported everything from animal rescue and arts programming to healthcare, housing, and journalism.

October became Cartober to raise awareness of the vehicle donation option before the busy year-end giving season, and to celebrate the thousands of donors who choose to give in this unique way each year.

Why Vehicle Donations Matter

You might wonder: why vehicles? Isn’t it easier just to write a check? The truth is, vehicle donations are one of the most accessible, impactful, and sustainable ways to give.

• Accessible: Not everyone has extra money in their budget to make a gift, but many households have an extra vehicle that’s no longer being used. Cartober provides a way for community members to contribute without financial strain.
• Impactful: The average donated car can raise hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of dollars for a nonprofit. That money can go directly into programs and services.
• Sustainable: Instead of letting a car sit unused, or worse, rust away in a landfill, donating ensures it’s repurposed or recycled responsibly.

And for donors, the process is free, fast, and tax-deductible. Once you schedule a pick-up, CARS handles everything: towing, paperwork, title transfer, sale, and reporting back to your chosen nonprofit.

How You Can Get Involved

Getting started is easier than you might think:

1. Visit Cartober.com. There, you’ll find a list of thousands of participating nonprofits.
2. Select your cause. Choose the nonprofit that matters most to you.
3. Schedule your pick-up. CARS will tow your vehicle for free at a time that’s convenient for you.
4. Make your impact. Once your car is sold, you’ll receive a tax receipt, and the proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit you selected.

That’s it—four simple steps to turn your vehicle into lasting change.

Join the Movement

Cartober isn’t just about cars—it’s about community. It’s about celebrating generosity, creativity, and the power of ordinary people to make extraordinary differences.

This October, instead of letting your unused vehicle sit idle, let it drive something bigger: service dogs, safe housing for families, animal rescue missions, or trusted local journalism.

Together, we can prove that every vehicle has the power to drive change.

Ready to make your impact? Visit Cartober.com to donate your vehicle today.