Morro Bay Lions Car Giveaway Program
Helping change lives—one car at a time.
Do you have a car that you can donate?
Please fill out our Car Donation Form to donate now.
Since 2014, the Morro Bay Lions Club has gifted over 40 reliable vehicles to community members in need—trusted transportation that opens doors to jobs, independence, and hope. Every three months, our club turns donated cars into life-changing gifts.
The Morro Bay Car Away Program is available to folks who reside in the Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero Communities.
Notice
The thanksgiving season car giveaway is now closed. Please check back soon for your chance to win a free car in our next car giveaway.
A coalition of Todd’s Garage, community resource connections & the Morro Bay Lions Foundation donate 3-4 cars/year to needy individuals & families.
How It Works
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Seek Nominees | We partner with Community Resource Connections (CRC) in Morro Bay to identify worthy recipients. Eligibility includes hardship-based challenges or consistent community contribution. |
| 2. Obtain Vehicles | Vehicles are donated by locals, friends, or estate gifts. Donors receive a tax-deductible receipt at fair market value. |
| 3. Repair & Prep | Bill and Mike Todd at Todd’s Garage, fix, clean, and smog-check the cars—making sure each one is road-ready. |
| 4. Award Ceremony | Every quarter, on weekends like during the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show, we present the vehicle in a celebratory event downtown. |
Recent Highlights
Highlights from Years Past:
- 38th Vehicle Giveaway (Thanksgiving 2022)
- Recipient: Kelley Welch, preschool teacher in Los Osos
- Awarded a 2008 Pontiac Vibe, enabling her to keep her job and maintain housing stability. Estero Bay News
- 40th Giveaway (May 6, 2023)
- Recipient: Daniels Family (Taft, CA)
- Awarded a 2011 Toyota Corolla during the Car Show’s public stage presentation. Estero Bay News
- 39th Giveaway (Early 2023)
- Recipient: An Afghan refugee family, symbolizing expanded inclusion and multi-group collaboration. Estero Bay News
Program is offered quarterly, usually spring, summer, fall, and winter. Locations often coincide with large community events like the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show.
Eligibility & Expectations
- Applicants complete a short form and interview—coordinated through CRC.
- Must show demonstrated need and commitment to maintain insurance and registration.
- Preference given to individuals actively volunteering or contributing to the community.
Notice
Application for the thanksgiving season car giveaway is now closed. Please check back soon to apply for the next car giveaway program.
How to Get Involved
- Know someone in need? Direct them to CRC at (805) 225‑1991 or cmbcrc225@gmail.com.
- Have a vehicle to donate? Reach out to Mike Todd at Todd’s Garage: (805) 772‑1985.
- Want to help? Join us at the award event or assist with scheduling, setup, or storytelling for the presentation.
Why It Matters
- Vehicle access = independence: Recipients gain mobility essential for work, health care, and daily life—especially in areas under-served by public transit.
- Community-powered generosity: From donor to repairer to recipient—the program connects local altruism to real impact.
- Part of broader Lions mission: Aligns with our commitment to empower volunteers and meet humanitarian needs.
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