BALTIMORE — This Valentine’s Day, hold the roses and chocolate. Show your true feelings by donating your used car to the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland (NKF-MD) Kidney Cars Program. Nearly 80 percent of the funds raised will help support programs in research, patient services, organ donation and public education locally. While your heartfelt gift won’t get you a romantic card in return, it might actually get you something more useful -- a tax deduction.

According to NKF-MD, this gift is hassle-free. No fancy poetry, gilt wrapping or frantic phone calls to the florist. The donation process is simple. All you need to do is call 1-800-488-CARS (2277) and the Foundation will mail out a packet, complete with a self-addressed envelope in which to mail back the signed title and odometer statement. Once the completed packet is received, the Foundation will contact the donor to arrange for a free pick-up. Vehicles are sold either at auction or for parts. For more information or to donate your car, van, truck, motorcycle or boat, call 1-800-488-CARS (2277) or donate online at www.kidneycars.org.

About NKF-MD

The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland, serving central and western Maryland, the Delmarva Peninsula and portions of Virginia and West Virginia, is the area’s only voluntary health agency dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of kidney and urinary tract diseases. For more information, visit www.kidneymd.org.