Giving back can be good for your health. So now you’re asking, “How Do I Donate My Car?”

As if helping others wasn’t reason enough, studies have found that giving back boosts self-esteem, lowers your stress level, lowers chances of depression, increases overall happiness, and lengthens your lifespan. Though the idea around giving is that it’s truly a selfless act, you can see it can be good for both the recipient and the giver.

Whether you’re donating time, money, clothes or a vehicle, giving back is taking action — and it matters! Volunteering or donating to charitable organizations like Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio has been proven to be good for the heart. Studies have shown that adults who regularly give back have lower blood pressure than those who don’t. In teens, those who volunteer just once a week have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and lower BMIs.

In addition to the physical health benefits, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health discovered that giving creates the “helper’s high.” According to Cleveland Clinic, “Giving stimulates the mesolimbic pathway, which is the reward center in the brain.” Stimulating this area of the brain releases endorphins, which can cause a euphoric — or happy — state of mind. According to Babble, people who volunteer have “increased life satisfaction, and a more positive wellbeing.”

Oftentimes giving back involves interacting with others. This can strengthen bonds as giving activates areas of the brain associated with trust and connection with other people. Additionally, studies have shown that making charitable donations on behalf of or in the name of another person leaves you feeling happier than you would if the donation was made in your name or anonymously. Volunteering and donating also sets a great example — leading my example motivates others to follow in your footsteps, which leaves both parties feeling happier.

Now that we’ve shared the health benefits, let’s answer, “How do I donate my car?”

Donating your vehicle to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio is easy! With three simple ways to donate — online, by phone or by mail — it’s hassle-free. Volunteers of America accepts almost anything with a motor, even if it hasn’t run in years. When your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV, tractor or lawnmower is sold at auction, the proceeds go back to our programs and services that help those in the communities we serve.

You might be wondering, “What if I don’t want to donate my car?”

There are other ways you can help! Below is a list of items we accept for donation to be sold in our thrift stores:

• Clothes, shoes and accessories
• Blankets, sheets and pillowcases
• Décor
• Craft supplies
• Musical instruments
• Small working appliances
• Tools
• Toys
• Sports equipment
• Bicycles

Just like vehicles, proceeds from the items sold in our thrift stores go directly to Volunteers of America’s programs, serving struggling men, women, children and families. In addition to donating, you can support Volunteers of America by volunteering individually or with a group.

Giving back begins with you — how will you make a difference?