The US Veterans Affairs defines a veteran as an individual who has actively served in the United States Army, Air Force, or Navy. The person must also have been honorably released or discharged from active service. All in all, veterans are very distinguished folk because they fought for freedom and risked their lives for the nation's good. That is why everyone should do all they can to ensure they receive the support they need upon leaving active duty. You can play your part by donating any vehicle you don't use to a reputable program. The main reasons to do that include:

1.       Help veterans transition successfully

Getting discharged from the military comes with its fair share of financial repercussions. First, veterans don't receive the steady paycheck they were used to while in active service. That means, if they can't get employment elsewhere, meeting needs becomes challenging. Moreover, some have to relocate while transitioning to civilian life, which comes with unexpected expenses like furnishing the new home. Not to forget, most veterans find civilian healthcare expensive and cannot cover themselves or their families. Fortunately, you can help veterans transition from military to civilian life by donating your car to an organization that will sell it and provide much-needed financial help to veterans.  And there's more good news: your donation can inspire others, including family members and friends, to do the same, facilitating the successful transition of more veterans.

2.       Make your life better

Donating an automobile to a veteran program helps you make life more meaningful by infusing satisfaction, purpose, significance, and fulfillment. According to experts, generosity is associated with the "giver's glow"—the good feeling you get when you give something to another person. This effect, which arises from a selfless action like donating a car to help veterans, helps you lessen the chances of becoming depressed. And, if there's anything that can help you live longer, it's happiness. Remember, depression is linked to premature death and causes a nasty spiral effect characterized by shattered relationships and increased drug and alcohol abuse chances.

3.       Enjoy tax deductions

Most organizations or charities that allow you to donate a car to a veteran are non-profits, and all the proceeds go toward funding veteran assistance programs and charities. As such, contributing to them entitles you to tax deductions. In most cases, all you have to do is wait for the vehicle to be sold, get a receipt, and use it to claim the correct deduction next time you file taxes. A tax deduction is a good thing since it puts some money in your pocket, which you can use to cover expenses like tuition fees and buying groceries.

To learn more about donating cars to veterans, contact an organization like Cars 2 Charities.