John’s 2006 Saturn VUE
Donated to
Minnesota Public Radio
Minnesota Public Radio Car Donation Review
“I think the previous owner used air fresheners liberally, because it still has a very distinct scent. To me it smells like memories.“
Not much of a story, but my parents bought me this car (used and 10 years old) in 2016 as a college graduation gift, from a Toyota dealer in Brainerd. I have loved it very much. I think the previous owner used air fresheners liberally, because it still has a very distinct scent. To me it smells like memories. Drives from Minneapolis to St Peter to visit my boyfriend. Searching for street parking by my first apartment in Marcy Holmes (my roommate and I alternated who got to use the parking lot pass). My commute to my first office job. Driving to Target in a blizzards and ending up in/on a snowbank. Getting rear ended on 94 near downtown and my dad’s calm and kind guidance on the phone. My single speed bike that I kept in the trunk/backseat because I loved it too much to leave it locked up outside. I don’t need her anymore, but I’ll miss her.
Thank You, John!
More Donation Stories
The Rios Family’s 2006 Honda Civic Donated to Habitat for Humanity
We are happy to share our car to help out , in any way getting homes for those that don’t have one.
Stephen’s 2005 Ford Taurus Donated to SFSPCA
Good memories used it for work. It’s all good. time to turn the page
Oli’s 2010 Honda Insight Donated to March of Dimes
This was my first ever car that I got while in college. I planned to buy a cheap, used car with my savings but my mom surprised me by chipping in a bunch to help me get a new car. I named her Eustace and she carried me the 6+ hours to and from college for every vacation. She witnessed first love, graduation, and moved to the big city with me. She was tough, facing blazing summers, snow plows burying her for days, and alternate side parking. She drove my fiancee and I to our first house and then our wedding. She came and went to the NICU dozens of times until our beautiful baby was ready to come home months later. I was so nervous driving with our baby in the back seat for the first time, but Eustace was as steady and reliable as ever. She’s retired from our family now, but can hopefully still do some good for others.



