Here's what happens to the car you donate to NPR through your favorite station:

We know your car has been important to you. It has carried you and your family to important events, and probably been a trusty friend for years. That's why we have a group of donation specialists who are experts in maximizing the value of every car donated to NPR stations.

For many donated cars, that means selling them to private parties. For others, it means a wholesale auction, which is like a trade-in. For donated cars in poorer or non-running condition, sometimes the maximum value comes from selling the car to a recycler who pays for valuable parts.

But rest assured, every car donation is assessed after it's picked up, with a goal of getting the maximum donation to your NPR station.