Today’s vehicle donation story features a 1997 Collins Bus that was donated to Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program. The proceeds from the sale of the bus will help build a home for a family in the Cowlitz County Habitat for Humanity community.

The former owner of the bus loved the outdoors as this bus accompanied him on all his adventures across the country. Sadly, the owner passed away and the family decided to share their son’s story about his dream for this bus.

Michael’s Story

The 1997 Collins Bus that we are donating is one that has quite the story to tell. This Bus was bought in an auction by Michael Gonzalez. He loved it with all his heart and wanted to convert it into his home away from home. As a college student he didn’t have a lot of money so he slowly put his hard earned tutoring money towards that dream. Michael had aspirations upon completion to take the bus to Skooliepalooza. Skooliepalooza occurs every year in the Nevada desert, which showcases peoples school bus conversions around the country. Michael was very outdoorsy and took his bus all over the place. Michael went from Kelso Wa. as far down as San Francisco Ca. He especially loved taking the bus to his favorite place Mt. Hood, where he enjoyed snowboarding.

Michael was a big teddy bear who had a cheesy smile and an infectious personality. Sadly, Michael passed away in 2019. Some of our family members wanted to see this bus completed into the dream that Michael had. Other family members had a very difficult time seeing the bus as it brought back a lot of hurtful memories. Ultimately, we are hoping this bus goes to someone that could put their creative imagination into turning it into a version of Michael’s home away from home. Since Michael loved to help others, we thought donating his bus was a great way to combine helping others and seeing his dream fulfilled.

Does your vehicle have a special story? Don’t forget to share it with us! We love featuring our donor stories and selfies on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat For Humanity is a global housing organization that works throughout 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is to create a world where every human being has a place to live regardless of race or religion. Car Donation Wizard is a proud partner with Habitat For Humanity on its Cars For Homes program. Through Cars for Homes, Habitat for Humanity is able to use the proceeds from the sale of a car donation to help build safe and affordable housing.

Donating your car is an easy way to support any organization. Car Donation Wizard will return 75-80% of the gross proceeds from the sale of your vehicle to your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

Support those in need by donating your car online or calling us at (877) 277-4344!

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