Letter: Most charities are reputable

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 2:27 a.m.

While we appreciate the need to inform the public of possible scams, it is also important to point out that what "20/20" viewers saw does not represent the majority of used car programs run by reputable charities. The National Kidney Foundation of Nevada is proud of its Kidney Cars Program that has been serving our community responsibly for the past nine years. Through our program, thousands of satisfied donors have received free pickup of vehicles they no longer need. Approximately 70 percent of the proceeds of the sale of our cars goes to support line-saving programs in research, organ donation, public and professional education and patient services.

Additionally, in compliance with state and federal law and in an effort to protect Kidney Cars donors, the National Kidney Foundation requires that title transfer take place prior to vehicle pickup. Our donors receive receipts and may obtain copies of the bill of sale which absolves them of any responsibility related to their donated vehicle if the buyer does not re-register the car.

The National Kidney Foundation of Nevada urges readers to support us in our mission to prevent kidney and urinary tract disease, improve the lives of those affected by these conditions and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Scott A. Swain, President of the National Kidney Foundation of Nevada