JFS BlogCars, Planes, and Real Estate — Oh, My!
May 5, 2026
If you’ve ever listened to KPBS, you’ve likely heard a commercial about donating your unwanted car. What you may not realize is that nonprofit car donations first got their start at Jewish Family Service of San Diego. While vehicles are the most familiar type of non-cash gift, they’re just one of many non-cash assets donors can consider, from appreciated stock and real estate to business interests and other unique holdings, such as art and collectibles. We sat down with our partner, Howard Pearl, CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), to explore how vehicle donations and a wide range of other non-cash gifts help propel JFS’s mission forward.
Leading with Gratitude
CARS began at Jewish Family Service as an innovative way to generate additional funding for critical programs and services through vehicle donations. As the program rapidly expanded beyond JFS’s parking lot, CARS split off in 2003 to become its own entity. Today, CARS is recognized as the national leader in transforming non-cash assets into impactful charitable donations.
“We understand that no matter what role we play at CARS, we are helping nonprofits like JFS who share our values. It feels good knowing that our services ultimately help families put food on the table, provide safe rides and safe parking for seniors, and support San Diego’s Jewish community.“
Going Beyond Car Donations
CARS is not just “Charitable Adult Rides & Services” it is also an acronym for “Charitable Asset Resolution Systems.” In other words, CARS will accept almost any non-cash asset—including art, real estate, stocks and bonds, and even crypto currency.
There are many reasons why someone might consider giving a non-cash asset, often tied to both life changes and thoughtful financial planning. You may find yourself with an extra vehicle now that the kids have moved out, a piece of property in another state that no longer fits your plans, or valuable items, like artwork or a car collection, that no longer suit your lifestyle as you downsize. In many cases, donating these assets can help you avoid the capital gains taxes that would come with selling them, while also providing a charitable deduction and simplifying your estate.
“The future of giving is non-cash. Our government gives people the opportunity to liquidate assets and turn those assets into cash donations,” explains Howard. “With the addition of other tax-deferred accounts like Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), you can put your property into your DAF and liquidate it into cash. Some people put second homes in their DAFs and liquidate it, and then all that capital goes into the DAF, but they get the value of the total dedication.”
Some past donations CARS have accepted include farm equipment, jets, planes, disaster relief trailers, fleets of vehicles, houses, buildings, significant pieces of jewelry, and robotic dogs.
Whatever your circumstances, partners like CARS can help guide you through the process, turning assets you no longer need into meaningful support for our community.
According to Howard, “If you’re not sure if CARS will accept it, just give us a call and we’ll figure it out together!”
Impact Comes in Many Forms
Donations to JFS, both monetary and non-cash assets, are crucial to ensuring San Diegans continue to have access to critical services like healthy food, Safe Parking, On the Go transportation, and more.
“I love knowing that something that no longer had value to me will be able to help others and make a difference in their lives.”
– Julia, 2025 Car Donor
Ready to donate a non-cash asset to JFS?
- Visit www.jfssd.org/cars to schedule a vehicle pickup.
- Visit www.jfssd.org/realestate to discover how your unwanted property can provide critical support for our community.
- Visit JFSlegacy.org to learn how you can include JFS in your legacy plans.
Not sure if you’re ready to donate now?
Give us a call at 877-JFS-4-CAR (877-537-4227) or email Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected] to find out which options work best for you and how JFS can honor your wishes as a member of the JFS Legacy Society.
JFS is grateful to have the ongoing support of our longtime partner, CARS.
Moving Forward Together.
