Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina in partnership with the Guilford County Department of Social Services formed the Wheels to Work program in June 1999 in order to assist Work First participants in resolving transportation issues. Thanks to the support of the Cemala Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Goodwill Industries has issued more than 100 cars.

Goodwill Industries of Central NC, Inc. now maintains the program on their own. All vehicles donated to Goodwill are inspected by our Wheels to Work coordinator and accredited automotive service technicians. Once the vehicle passes a rigorous inspection, the vehicle is then rewarded to a recipient. The vehicles that are deemed unsafe are sold at an auto auction. The money that is generated from the sales of the auctioned cars is used to make minor repairs and maintain the awarded vehicles. The new tax law did not have a direct impact on Goodwill Industries, because the cars that are being used in the Wheels to Work program allows the donor to be able to still claim fair market value. However, the cars that are being auctioned off due to needing heavy-duty repairs will not be eligible for claiming fair market value.

Many individuals in our community do not have reliable transportation and public transportation may not operate during their working hours. Goodwill Industries and the Guilford County Department of Social Services have partnered to assist Work First participants in resolving transportation issues. Last year, 29 cars were issued to participants.

To be eligible for the Wheels to Work program Work First participants must:

• Be employed from six to 12 months.
• Lack transportation.
• Be fiscally responsible for maintenance.
• Have no drug charges or major driving violations.
• Retain employment for 12 months after receiving the vehicle.
• Attend a defensive driving course.

Participants are expected to make a low monthly payment (usually around $75) for 12 months. This payment includes their insurance for the first year. After all 12 payments are made the title is then signed over to the participant.

Private individuals contribute these cars to the Wheels to Work program. Participants of the program are matched with cars that are road worthy. The ones that need a significant amount of work are sold. Monies raised are put back into the program.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Wheels to Work program, contact Eldon Gill, Wheels to Work Coordinator at 275-9801 extension 347 or e-mail egill@goodwill-cnc.org