COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Cash for Clunkers program is getting a lot of attention.
It's a government program that has worked a little too well, having blown through the budget in the first week it was available.
Although Congress is stepping up to keep the money flowing, there are people who are worried about a bad side effect of the program.
Charitable groups count on the money they make from donated cars to help fund their programs. Now, the groups are afraid that donations are going to dry up.
Charitable vehicle donation has been big business for Volunteers of America.
"We've been in car donation business for more than 20 years and in the past, we got 5,000 to 6,000 cars donated," said Nicole Knowlton, of the Volunteers of America.
Over the years, that number has been cut in half.
At Goodwill of Columbus, workers have seen similar success with donated vehicles.
"Since it started, we put $1 million back into the mission of Goodwill Columbus," said Anthony Hartley, of Goodwill.
But both groups are wondering how Cash for Clunkers will affect them.
Officials at Goodwill said they are worried that the Cash for Clunkers program will make people choose cash over charity and close the door on an opportunity to bring in money for local programs.
"When you pull 250,000 cars off the streets, maybe more, there are cars that could end up in our lots and help low-income buyers," Knowlton said.
With more than 8,000 vehicles in five years, Goodwill said it is looking for some good news.
"Every single car is an opportunity. We love every car," Hartley said.
VOA workers want buyers to have an option, while sellers get a tax break.
"It's still a viable solution for a lot of people not in the market for a new car, (but) not quite ready to step into a car payment," Knowlton said.
For more information on the auto auctions and donations from Volunteers of America, call 614-870-7511 or visit www.carshelpingpeople.org.
For information on the donations at Goodwill of Columbus, call 614-444-AUTO or visit www.goodwillcolumbus.org.
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