May 21, 2008

For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:

Deputy Chief James Master
301-652-0077

Kumar Vaswani
301-326-7883
media@bccrs.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

Seeks Vehicle Donations for Training 

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS), one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, seeks donations of vehicles to use in its training activities. Vehicle donations enable Rescue Squad crews to maintain proficiency in the use of advanced tools used to rescue injured people trapped in vehicle collisions.

Residents may donate a car or SUV by dropping off their vehicle at the Squad’s headquarters, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, Monday through Friday during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Residents may also arrange for after-hours drop-off by calling 301-652-0077. Unlike many other charities, the Rescue Squad accepts vehicles that are in almost any condition (even vehicles with major engine or drive-ability problems). Before delivering a vehicle, a donor should call 301-652-0077 to ensure someone will be available to accept the vehicle. Donors should bring their original vehicle title, as well as photo identification. For more information on how to donate a vehicle, please visit  www.bccrs.org/Vehicles.html

The Rescue Squad is registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

In 2005, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began requiring additional recordkeeping for vehicle donations. Consequently, many charities, including the Rescue Squad, experienced a drop-off in vehicle donations. “Unfortunately, many people believe that it is less complicated to junk their vehicle rather than to donate it,” stated Deputy Chief James Master. “While many charities sell their donated vehicles, we actually use them for training. We need a steady supply of vehicles so that we can train with our lifesaving tools, and the lack of vehicle donations is adversely affecting our proficiency.”

Maximize your deduction by donating your vehicle to the Rescue Squad.

What a charity does with a donated vehicle affects the amount the donor can deduct, so it pays to check with a charity to find out how the vehicle will be used. Because the Rescue Squad uses donated vehicles to further its life-saving activities, donors are generally entitled to deduct the full fair market value of the vehicle on their tax return. The Rescue Squad does not sell donated vehicles. The obligation for obtaining a fair market valuation rests with the donor. Dealer guides or “blue books” provide a starting point for estimating fair market value. The Rescue Squad provides vehicle donors with the documentation required by the IRS for obtaining a tax deduction. Deductions can be limited by other factors, and donors should consult their tax professional or read the IRS guidance for advice regarding their specific tax situation.

When minutes count, the Rescue Squad goes into action.

Rescue Squad crews use donated vehicles to practice using their lifesaving tools so that they may continue to serve you, your family, and your neighbors. Rescue Squad crews train constantly to maintain their proficiency in rescuing victims from car wrecks.

Sometimes, a car is too damaged from a collision to open the doors. In some of these cases, the occupants have sustained severe injuries and require immediate medical care. To gain access to the occupants, the Rescue Squad uses its specialized hydraulic rescue tools to cut, pry, and rip through the metal shell to get inside the vehicle. The crew takes great care to protect the vehicle occupants from further injury during this process, which can be accomplished in a matter of minutes by a well trained, properly equipped crew.

Once extricated, the vehicle occupants are transported to the hospital for further care. Rescue Squad crews provide emergency medical care at the scene and on the way to the hospital.

About the Rescue Squad

Now in its 68th year, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides, at no charge to the recipient, professional emergency medical, ambulance, rescue, and fire services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland area, as well as upper Northwest Washington, D.C. Thanks to the generous donations of the community, the efforts of 150 professionally trained volunteers, and a staff of daytime employees, BCCRS has evolved into one of the nation's most advanced rescue squads, providing compassionate, life-saving services to the community.

BCCRS does not receive regular budgeted funds from any government. Instead, BCCRS raises almost all of its $1.5 million operating budget from individual donors, foundations, businesses, and occasional state and federal grants. BCCRS is registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

For information on volunteering with BCCRS, call the membership hotline at 301-657-5557, email us at membership@bccrs.org , or visit www.bccrs.org . BCCRS welcomes new volunteers year-round. No experience is necessary, and volunteers receive free professional training as well as annual physicals.

BCCRS’s fleet includes 7 ambulance/medic units, 2 heavy rescue squads, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, and various command and utility vehicles. BCCRS responds on all types of emergency incidents, including injuries, illnesses, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, and house fires.

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