About Us
HISTORY OF THE MINISTRY
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2C8 Corporation, "The Car Ministry," was started in Falls Church, Virginia in 1984. It is one of the first car donation charities. The Car Ministry accepts donated cars and trucks for the purpose of giving them to the poor and needy
plus those in full-time Christian work who qualify. Thousands of vehicles have been given over the years.
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In 1986 the IRS gave final 501(c)(3) status to 2C8 Corporation as a non-profit charitable organization. Donors can make tax-deductible contributions to the car donation program. Contributions include donated vehicles and financial assistance. Since the vehicles are given away, donors are able to take the fair market value as a tax deduction.
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The Car Ministry insists that the donated vehicles must run well and pass Virginia safety and emission tests before they are given to the needy. Vast majority of charitable organizations simply pass vehicles through or sell them without repair, a disservice to needy people who cannot afford to pay for immediate car problems. Repair work has been done by a number of local shops over the years.
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People are referred to the Car Ministry by social workers and pastors. Once given a vehicle, people have the opportunity to get to work and take care of family needs. Between 50 and 90 vehicles are given each year depending on the number donated. There are many more applicants than available vehicles.
Local churches, from many denominations, are regular financial supporters of the car charity. Individuals also give financial support. Funds are needed to make repairs and ensure the cars are in reliable condition before being given to needy families.
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In 2009 The Car Ministry became a fully licensed dealer. This has allowed the charitable work to go forward with simplified paperwork and allows the purchase and sale of some cars and trucks with profits going toward support of
the charitable work. Vehicle purchases are made on a case-by-case basis so that customers obtain the vehicle desired.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDER
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Roger Penn founded The Car Ministry in 1984. From 1969 to 2009, Roger owned and operated a small car business, representing Avanti Motor Corporation, a producer of limited-production custom cars, and later as an automobile dealer in Northern Virginia. In this capacity, he managed new and used car sales and services for over thirty years. He opened a sales office in Falls Church, Virginia to facilitate the work of this ministry. He also served as Vice President and President of Region 4 of the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association and received the Quality Dealer Award for that
Region.
Because of his experience in the car business and his concern for the poor and needy, Roger was led into forming The Car Ministry and served as President and Director of the ministry from 1984 to 2014. Roger passed away in 2021. He is survived by his wife Melanie and two daughters Leslie and Melanie.
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ABOUT THE CURRENT PRESIDENT
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Larry Gordon assumed full-time duties as President of the ministry from founder Roger Penn in 2014.
Larry served in the Navy from 1978 to 2006 as an oceanographer. While continuing to work for the Navy after leaving active duty, Larry became involved as a volunteer with The Car Ministry in 2009. He saw first-hand the transformational impact the gift of a car has on working, poor families.
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During his high school years, Larry served as a volunteer in Honduras for a summer where he developed a heart for helping the poor.
Larry and his wife Nancy are active in their church and reside in northern Virginia. They have three sons, Ted, Kyle, and Lawson.