RUTLAND — Phil Scott’s annual Wheels for Warmth fundraiser to benefit emergency fuel assistance has expanded to Rutland.
“We need tires donated to make this a successful event and fundraiser,” said Carol Flint, executive director of BROC—Community Action in Southwestern Vermont, located in Rutland.
Bond Auto and Vianor in Rutland accepted tires Oct. 19-28, and Casella Construction, on Route 4, in Mendon is open for tire donations Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30, between 2-6 p.m. DMV inspectors will determine if tires can be sold (safe to use for at least one more season). If tires can be sold, the donor pays nothing, and may include their value as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Tires that cannot be sold may be recycled for $4 per tire.
The program was established by Phil Scott in 2005 and has three goals:
To raise funds for emergency fuel assistance for distribution to needy families through community action agencies (now including BROC).
To create a resource of DMV-inspected tires that are deemed safe for at least one season of use, to be sold to Vermonters at reasonable prices.
To provide a convenient, inexpensive way to dispose of unwanted tires, reducing the number of tires discarded in rivers or along our roadways.
In ten years, Wheels for Warmth has raised more than $253,500 for emergency fuel assistance, sold over 12,500 safe donated tires, and recycled over 20,500 unsafe tires.
Thanks to sponsors and volunteers, all costs associated with promoting and implementing Wheels for Warmth are covered without using program funds. Therefore, 100 percent of proceeds go directly to emergency fuel programs at Champlain Valley OEO, Capstone of Central Vermont, and BROC, which serves Bennington and Rutland counties. (Contributions to these three agencies have a statewide impact, because it frees up funds for distribution to the remaining Community Action Agencies).
This year, everyone who donates will receive a ticket that enters them in a raffle for a brand new set of automobile tires from Vianor Tire.
