Disabled veterans group helps Naples nurse feed kids during pandemic

Kathleen Alvarez, a nurse from Naples, Fla., generally works with many elderly patients. But due to COVID-19, Alvarez became unable to serve those patients because she lives with a health condition that puts her at high risk of contracting the virus. Having a child with asthma was an additional risk.

Without a steady stream of income, it became difficult for Alvarez to pay bills and afford food for her three middle school age children. She found respite from the DAV COVID-19 Unemployment Relief program.

“The funds we were awarded went to food — all of it,” said Alvarez. “I didn’t have to worry how I was going to feed my three teenagers, God Bless you all.”

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is a non-profit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than one million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. DAV membership is available to individuals who served in the armed forces, were discharged under honorable conditions, and were wounded, disabled or became ill as a result of their military service.

Alvarez knows DAV well. She is a member and understands the importance of lending a helping hand.

“I volunteer for an organization that feeds families who are struggling but I never thought that would be me. I am very grateful for the DAV COVID Relief Fund and so are my children,” said Alvarez.

Programs like DAV’s COVID-19 Unemployment Relief program are sustained by contributions from individuals. One of the most popular DAV fundraising efforts is through the donation of vehicles. Thousands of individuals have learned that making a DAV vehicle donation is easy and can be tax deductible.

Donors receive free and convenient pick-up that is a touchless experience. DAV works around the donor’s schedule to pick-up DAV vehicle donations — as long as the auto donation for veterans is towable and tow truck accessible.

Those who make a DAV car donation can get a tax deduction. An initial receipt is provided for the DAV car donation at the time of the pick-up. If a vehicle donation sells for $500 or less, the donor will be mailed a thank-you letter within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle, which serves as a tax receipt.

If the vehicle donation for veterans sells for more than $500 and a tax identification number has been provided, an IRS Form 1098-C will be mailed within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds (the maximum amount of your tax deduction) received from the DAV vehicle donation. For specific tax-related questions, donors are encouraged to consult a tax advisor.

Make a DAV vehicle donation and turn your car, truck or boat into a resource that helps families like Kathleen Alvarez and her teenagers.

Donate your vehicle to DAV today or get more information by calling (855) 939–2227 or by visiting CarsHelpVets.org.