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The Clothman Car Giveaway
Clothcounter: 98 vehicles since 11/05 4 since 11/09
Financial Donations since 11/09: $2570.00
Organizations who have helped:
Wide World of Travel
Batteries Plus
Safelite Auto Glass
Holiday Service Station on Brooks
Sharkey Insurance Center
Midas Automotive
Rosauers Food Store
Hawthorne Elementary School
University Motors
Missoula Body Works
Carl Tyler Chevelot
Current Repair Need: Thank you Midas for repairs recently made to a mini-van!
Thank you Batteries Plus for yet ANOTHER battery!
Scroll down for details on how you can be a part of this amazing and fun project...
6/4/10 Clothman Car Giveaway Tops 100 vehicles
There was a sudden surge in donations thanks to so many generous folks. I am always amazed at how so many have a heart of compassion for those in need. As a result I've recently had an '89 Ford Escort, '96 Oldsmobile, '86 Ford LTD, '93 Buick Regal and a '95 Geo Metro donated. I'm currently in the process of getting these to needy families and individuals. Those who are have already been selected are so amazed they can hardly speak.
Cash donations have continued as well allowing me to make some minor repairs to vehicles and of course fill them with gas and provide $100 gift certificates for groceries.
What a great thing. What a team! Go Clothteam!!
12/12/09 Vehicles Coming In Sloooowly...
It must be the sign of the tough economic times; plus the cash for clunkers program. In the past by now I would have had at least eight vehicles donated and ready to give away; however, I have only two so far. I've had some others that folks started to give and then they passed them on to family members in need (and another to a neighbor). All of which is good, because a person in need is a person in need.
On the other hand, nearly $2000 has come in so far which will certainly help me to be able to accept a vehicle that might need minor repair as well as cover the gas and groceries for the vehicles that come in.
To help raise the awareness of the Clothman Car Giveaway (which I haven't had to do in the past) I'm arranging some TV appearances and sending out some PSA's. I'd especially like to top the 100 cars given mark because I truly think it is a great story about the kindness of the people of Western Montana. It really is an amazing tail.
So be looking for Clothman on the television (the morning shows for sure). And if you know of anyone who has an extra vehicle please let them know of the Clothman Car Giveaway. I have a long waiting list of worthy folks in need.
11/13/09 Clothman Car Give Away ...Nearing 100 Vehicles Given!!
I wrote my 4th Annual November column about the give away today in the Missoulian. It used to be easier to keep this great giving opportunity before folks when the Missoulian published me weekly, but it amazes me at how many people still call to donate a vehicle. I mean it truly amazes me!
I am so excited to be nearing the century mark in this program. It is a testiment to the generous spirit of Western Montana. 100 vehicles is a lot of cars, trucks, suv's and vans! It is hard to imagine how many lives have ultimately been impacted by such generosity.
And we can't forget all of the folks who have donated money for gas, groceries and small repairs, as well as the businesses who have helped provide labor and parts for some of the vehicles. Dude, this is awesome!
So starts another year. What will happen as a result of the terrible economic downturn? Will people still donate vehicles when they are pinching pennys? Will the Clothman Car Giveaway survive?
I don't know. All I can do is continue to be the go-between person who connects those with a vehicle with those who need one. The optimist in me thinks this will be a good year for the generous spirit of Western Montana.
How You Can Join The Clothman Car Giveaway
It's time to once again fire up the amazing Clothman Car Giveaway. Of all the great projects the Clothteam does every year, this is my favorite. In four years we've given away nearly 100 vehicles!
Here's how it works:
1) You get donate that vehicle which is just setting most of the time in your garage or driveway - or that vehicle which will fetch as much of a tax donation as it would a down-payment on your next car purchase. Or, if you don't have a vehicle to donate, you can make a financial donation to help us fill these with fuel and food. (Please, working vehicles only.)
Yes, this is indeed a sacrifice for you, but the joy you will receive for truly helping a desperate person/family will greatly surpass your financial sacrifice. I know because we donated the first two vehicles that started the Clothman Car Give Away. One is still running and the other got totalled while parked in front of the new owner's home. However, the insurance payment helped that family to buy an even newer vehicle which is still running like a champ!
2) The Clothfamily cleans up these vehicles and several auto repair shops who donate labor and parts to help out with minor repairs.
3) We fill each vehicle up with gas and provide a $50 gift certificate to Rosaures (sometimes more) from funds other Clothteam members have donated.
4) Finally, I personally insure that each new owner is legally licensed and has insurance coverage. I also personally oversee every title transfers at the Missoula County Courthouse and pray with the receipants of each vehicle.
So:
If you have such a vehicle or would like to donate funds for gas and groceries please contact me at clothmail@clothman.com or PO Box 3561, Missoula, MT 59806. Or call me at (406) 549-9744.
Make checks payable to:
Clothman Adventures
PO Box 3561
Missoula, MT 59806
100% of your financial donation goes directly to the Clothman Car Giveaway. Clothman Adventures covers all of the overhead for this project.
5/7/09 How Cool Is This!
This week I gave away the 92nd car that has been donated by a Clothteam Member. 92, it's hard to believe. That same day #93 was donated and is awaiting a minor repair before I pass it on.
What's cooler is seeing the face of the single mother as she got into her "new" vehicle and drove off. This young mother has had some of the worst breaks in life that I have ever seen (I can't disclose details because they are too sensitive and disturbing). However, she has miraculously remained an open-hearted, goal oriented young lady who is about to complete her first year of college and just moved into an apartment of her own with her young son.
This vehicle will be a key component in her continued rise from the ashes of her past life. Thanks to everyone who participates in this amazing program.
12/10/08 White Christmas or White Curse?
There’s something magical about a white Christmas. As it covers the surrounding valleys and mountains it turns my home town of Missoula into a visual post card. (Although I could do without the snow shoveling.) However, if you happen to be one of the unfortunate folks who, for one reason or another, are without an operating vehicle right now, a white Christmas is a curse.
The option of riding a bike to work just got a lot more challenging. Walking instantly turned into a winterized steeple chase as one negotiates piles of snow and icy paths. Double the trouble, if for those trying to get someplace with a baby strapped on their back or pushing a walker.
At times like these that old vehicle setting in your driveway or garage can change a family’s life. Weight the difference between the amount of trade in value you’ll get with your ‘ol rig verses the even better tax write-off you can get by donating it – especially when factoring in the priceless gift of providing transportation to someone without a vehicle.
I marvel every time some one donates a vehicle because it goes so much against the grain of materialism that sometimes dominates the holiday season. I get to see both the faces of the generous doners light up as well as those who can’t believe that someone would give them a vehicle – yes a vehicle.
Thank you to small army of folks who have donated vehicles, finances for gas and groceries, parts and repairs, car washes and cleaning, and more. Thank you for helping to make someone’s disaster turn into a white Christmas after all.
(By the way, we’re only 14 vehicles from 100 given. When that day comes I will be throwing a community party – I’ll keep you posted.)
12/7/08 Welcome Missoulian Readers
With the Missoulian cutting me from weekly to monthly this year my exposure to Western Montana has been greatly diminished. Outside of a slightly bruised ego, this hasn’t hurt me; however, it could hurt all of the struggle people the Clothteam has joined together to aid over the years. One great example of the Clothteam working is the Clothman Car Giveaway.
In just 3 years we have given away 85 vehicles to needy families and individuals. Yes you read right, 85 vehicles! Isn’t that amazing? I wish you could see the shock on those people’s faces when we walk out of the Courthouse with their new title in hand and I show them their “free” vehicle. It is precious. Plus, because of generous cash donations, those vehicles (even the trucks with the big fuel tanks) are full of gas and I give them a $50 gift certificate for groceries. (I might be able to bump that up to $75 this Christmas season.)
So, instead of just letting this terrific service project fade away for lack of exposure I decided to try to generate some exposure apart from my Adventures of Clothman column. One way is by taking out an ad in the Missoulian hoping some folks would see it and respond. The fact that you are reading this must mean that it worked. (Interesting update 12/9/08: Turns out I got very little response to the ad I placed in the special Missoulian insert. I guess not very many folks found the Faith insert in the piles of Christmas flyers piled in around it. I don't reckon I do that again.)
My prayer is that we can have 15 more vehicles donated this December so we can cross over the 100 mark in vehicles given away. How cool would that be? (By the way, I paid for the ad myself so still, 100% of all donations go directly to the Car Giveaway.)
Read below on how you can be a part of this great adventure. May this be a Merry Christmas for the folks we are able to help and for those of us who have the great pleasure of giving.
11/10/08 Welcome to the 3rd Annual Clothman Car Giveaway
I am thrilled to announce that the 3rd Annual Clothman Car Giveaway is now underway. Actually, I receive and give away vehicles all year round but most of them come in during November and December so folks can get the deduction for their taxes.
The Clothteam (you and I) have now topped the 80 mark for vehicles given away. What a great thing. If you have a vehicle taking up space in your driveway or that you know won’t bring you much in trade-in you can do something very cool. You can donate your vehicle to someone who is in desperate need. I wish I could tell you all of the amazing stories that have taken place because of generous folks like yourself.
If you don’t have a vehicle I fill all of the vehicle’s tanks with fuel before giving them away. If I have extra money in the Clothman Car Giveaway fund I can do some other things like take a vehicle which needs only a minor repair. I can also give $50 grocery cards away with the vehicle. So any donation is very welcome and needed. (By the way, I cover all expenses so 100% of your donation goes directly to the Car Giveaway.)
Thanks for making a real difference in Western Montana and for helping the love of God to be spread in ways that make a huge impact upon people’s lives.
8/2/08 High Gas Low Groceries
Higher gas prices have forced me to change my policy regarding the Clothman Car Giveaway. I used to fill each car up with gas and groceries; however, I no longer can afford to do both with all vehicles. The last truck I filled with gas cost $104 and the last car was $54. Yikes! Therefore, Now just get the vehicles cleaned up and filled up and get grocery certificates on when funds allow.
No doubt my dilemma is a great example of the problem high gas prices exacts upon those in the lower income bracket. How many of those folks are finding themselves at one time or another deciding between food and gas?
The good news is that vehicles are still coming in because despite high gas prices we are still a vehicle centered economy. Trying to fill a gas tank is better than having no gas tank to fill. Getting to and from work, doctor’s appointments and shopping can be hugely challenging without a vehicle. So thanks to all those who continue to donate vehicles to the Clothman Car Giveaway. I just gave away our 74th vehicle and have three more in the pipeline to pass on next week.
If you don’t have a vehicle to donate; please consider sending some financial support to cover my expenses to just fill up these gas tanks. Frankly, my resources are starting to run a little thin this summer months.
7/12/08
Just gave away two more vehicles this week. I can't believe how generous folks just keep calling with their vehicles. The stories of those receiving these vehicles are almost always quite sad. It is a humbling and emotional moment to give the keys to a vehicle to a person who has been beaten down by life and to be able to tell them that God sees their need and pain.
It is getting more expensive however. The truck we gave away this week took $104 to fill up. Holy barrels of oil, that's a lot of money. Even the sedan took $45 to fill this week.
12/20/07
How could anyone have seen how big this was going to get. Already, since 11/17/07, 12 vehicles have been donated and over $1600 for gas and groceries. By the time I get all of these out to needy individuals and families the total number of vehicles will be at 67.
I can't tell you how exciting it is to see people's lives changed in a matter of minutes. Our society is centered on the automobile and all it takes is for us to be without one for a week to see just how true that is. The freedom and peace that come with a vehicle cannot be overstated.
Thanks to all who are making this happen. If you'd like to join in, it's easy. See below for details.
2008 Camp Mak-A-Dream / RATPOD
TOTAL GIVING AS OF 7/12/08: $1177.00
GOAL: $1000 (by June 15, 2008)
2008 RATPOD A GREAT SUCCESS
Another RATPOD (Ride Around The Pioneers in One Day) under my butt.
This was not an easy ride for me. The training for my Ironman last year allowed me to breeze over the high mountain passes and sail into Dillon without a sore butt. This year I covered the 130 miles without any trouble, but not with ease or without a sore butt. By the end, finding a comfortable position on my tiny bike seat was like searching for water on Mars.
Thanks for all the support again. This year the Clothteam raised $1077 for Camp Mak-A-Dream. Go Clothteam!!
We had one of those riding with us who had to stop at about 100 miles because he was nearing heat stroke, but other than that we had no problems. The best part of the ride was not having the ferocious head winds for the last 40 miles. Last year I found myself saying things pastors aren’t supposed to say when the wind was so strong that I couldn’t even break 10mph at times – on the flat.
The best news is that this year’s RATPOD raised over $280,000 by race day and will probably top $300,000 by the time all the money comes in. WOW!
YOU CAN HELP!
Make your check payable to Camp Mak-A-Dream and send it to:
Clothman
PO Box 3561
Missoula, MT 59806
4/2/07
I did it; I signed up today for the 2008 RATPOD.
Each year I call upon the Clothteam to help me with two great causes. One is the Clothman Car Giveaway (see below). We have given away 64 vehicles in just over two years!
The other is the RATPOD, the annual fundraiser for Camp Mak-A-Dream - a camp that offers cost-free programs for children, teens and young adults with cancer. Last year RATPOD raised over $240,000 for the camp.
RATPOD stands for Ride Around The Pioneers in One Day. It is a 137 mile bicycle ride through the beautiful mountains in Western Montana. It starts and finished in Dillon, MT. and includes over 9000 feet of climbing. This will be my 4th time doing it (I missed one year because of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).
Last year the Clothteam raised $1650 for the camp. It was fun because we had a nice size group who rode with me plus all of those who support me in the ride. I got a really sore butt; however, we really made a difference in lives of these young people stricken with cancer and their families.
I’ll give more updates as the ride draws near (it is in June) but I’m getting started on my fund raising now. Of course all donations are tax deductible and I pledge to ride the whole ride – no matter what my butt may tell me.
Without Clothreaders, Clothman is just Clothwho?
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The Clothteam is when Clothman and Clothreaders join forces to accomplish good on this 3rd Rock from the Sun.
There are lots of newspaper and magazine columns out there. Almost without exception, they are static, meaning the writer writes and the readers read - period. Some time ago I began dreaming of something better.
What if The Adventures of Clothman was interactive? What if the writer and the reader did more than just write and read? What if Clothman and Clothreaders occationally joined forces to accomplish humanitarian missions?
That idea became reality in the summer of 2002. Since then the Clothteam has done several projects:
2006-2007 Clothman Car Giveaway
We gave away an astounding 35 vehicles this year. Unbelievable. That's 35 individuals and families who were without transportation that were shown the love of God in a practical - rubber meets the rode - way.
2007 RATPOD (Ride Around The Pioneers In A Day)
The Clothteam donated $1650 to benefit Camp-Mak-A-Dream. You donated the money, I rode the 157 miles in one day on my bicycle.(Clothwoman raised an additional $700.) We also had two others ride with us. Total money raised by RATPOD this year: $240,000!
2005-2006 Clothman Car Giveaway
Then came the Clothman Car Giveaway in the spring of '05. Clothreaders donated 12 vehicles full of gas and groceries to needy households. I can't hardly describe how exciting that was to do. In fact, Clothreaders have since donated 3 other vehicles. Amazing!
RATPOD '06
(See RATPOD above.) After taking '05 off because I contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, this year we raised $1000 for Camp Mak-A-Dream. I'll be more dilegent next year and have a goal of raising $2000. RATPOD raised over $180,000 in '06.
Clothman Katrina Relief Project '05
We raised almost $30,000 for 7 specific New Orleans families who fled to Atlanta after their homes were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. We were able to give away 6 vehicles and outfit 6 new homes for these 7 families.
UPDATE: A year later only 1 family has returned to New Orleans, the rest are doing well in Atlanta. And all but one of the vehicles is still running, the other was involved in an accident.
2004 RATPOD (Ride Around The Pioneers in One Day)
Our next joint mission was summer '04 when we raised $800+ for Camp Mak-A-Dream (a camp for children with cancer). I rode 157 miles on my bicycle and Clothreaders supported me.
Clothman Neato Thermometer '02, '03
For two years we teamed up to send donations to The Poverello Center (a homeless shelter in Missoula, MT). Because donations were sent directly to The Poverello it was difficult to track, but it was in the $1000's.
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How Do I Join
The Clothteam?
The Clothteam is an organic relationship between the writer and reader. There are no gimmicks, no formal membership, not even lovely party gifts. I keep things simple.
You're on The Clothteam when you do things like:
*Read The Adventures of Clothman
*Join me in special humanitarian projects
*Give me feedback about The Adventures of Clothman
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Other things
Clothteam Members do:
Talk to your favorite newspaper or website
Forward this website to others
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Editors and Webmasters listen to their readers more than anyone. We have a marketing plan, but it will never be better than you. Furthermore, your letters to the editor about the column mean far more than you can imagine. Thank you for taking time to let them know you appreaciate them publishing The Adentures of Clothman.
If your favorite newspaper doesn't carry The Adventures of Clothman please ask them to consider doing so. We are delighted to send information packets to newspapers or websites.
Thank you for getting the word out about The Adventures of Clothman!
Again, there is no better advertisement than word of mouth, even if it is spoken electronically. Thanks!
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All gifts are tax deductable.
Clothman Adventures is a federally registered non-profit corporation.
You will receive a receipt on all donations for tax deduction purposes. |
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CLOTHTEAM FAQ's
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If I join The Clothteam do I have to wear a cape and tights?
I leave that completely up to you; however, the only one who wears Clothman's tights, is Clothman. The cape, I'll share.
What does Clothman get out of the Clothteam?
The tremendous satisfaction of being linked with my readers in a relational way. We are more than just writer and reader. Together we make a difference in this world when God gives us opportunity.
When I set down to write a column I always do two things. I first ask God to give me ideas and words that will do more than just make the column a fun read. I desire it to help people. Second, I visualize you, The Clothreader. I write every column with you in mind so that, again, it isn't just a column, it is a column of help and hope.
So I already feel a connection to you and I pray you do to me. When we come together as the Clothteam it is incredibly rewarding to me.
Does Clothman keep a percentage of project donations for overhead?
No. 100% of all donations made toward specific projects goes directly to that project. I always cover all of the overhead expenses.
Is my donation to Clothman Adventures tax deductible?
Yes. Clothman Adventures is a federally registered nonprofit corporation so your donation is tax deductible. You will receive a letter from Clothman Adventures signifying your donation that you may use for your tax records.
If Clothman Adventures is a federally registered nonprofit corporation, don't you need donations to cover operating expenses?
I do have monthly expenses such as office equipment, phones, postage, Internet service providers, letterhead, etc. For that reason donations from Clothreaders for operating expenses are both greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
Where do I send my donations?
Whether it is for special projects or to help cover operating expenses, send your donation to:
Clothman Adventures
PO Box 3561
Missoula, MT 59806
Be sure to indicate what you want your donation to go toward. Please include your name and address so we can send your tax receipt.
What is Clothman Adventures' code of ethics?
In a nutshell, it is Psalm 15 (From The Message Bible).
"God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?"
"Walk straight,
act right,
tell the truth.
Don't hurt your friend,
don't blame your neighbor;
despise the dispicable.
Keep your word even when it costs you,
make an honest living,
never take a bribe.
You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this."
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