Car Lot

Sales from Goodwill Industries – Big Bend’s car lot at 2539 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee have done so well that the organization has branched out to accept donations from the Panama City area as well.

Although Goodwill only sells cars in Tallahassee for now, they receive vehicles from Panama City as well. Companies such as Boeing and St. Joe Paper Company have donated as well as individuals. Donations have included vans, RVs, Mustangs and Toyotas.

Vehicles donated out of town are taken to Tallahassee to sell. “One of the reasons we like to bring the cars to Tallahassee is so we can check them out and tell people more about them,” said John Shoemaker, Director of Titled Goods.

In Panama City, vehicles may be taken to the Goodwill facility at 3207 E. Fourth Street. Leave keys and title with Susie Arce, 522-3900, ext. 209.

A vehicle does not have to be running to donate it. Goodwill provides free towing, usually the same day. The donor does not have to be present when the car is picked up, but the title is required at the time of the donation.

Once Goodwill has possession of the vehicle and its title, the donor receives a receipt which explains how the IRS handles car donations. Basically, you get to deduct a minimum of $500 or a maximum of whatever the car sells for. If Goodwill sells the car for more than $500, you will get a follow up letter and the IRS form.

Goodwill sells most cars from the Tallahassee car lot within one to two weeks. The cars are priced well below dealer prices, many between $1,000 and $2,000. They also have handyman specials and cars that mechanics buy for parts.

Goodwill does not finance vehicles. All are cash sales.

Like donated items sold in their stores, Goodwill does not give cars away. Low prices make them more affordable and income from their sale helps fund wages and expenses for jobs and job training for people with disabilities and other barriers.

For information on donating a car to Goodwill or for a complete list of cars for sale, go to www.goodwillcarsales.com or call John Shoemaker in Tallahassee at 656-8000 or toll free at 866-656-6944. Inventory changes frequently, so check often for the best deals.