As Japan approaches the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japan Car Sharing Association, based in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is urging the public to donate scrapped cars to support disaster recovery efforts. The association has been offering free car rentals in disaster-hit areas since its establishment and is seeking donations particularly during the months of February and March, a time when the number of scrapped vehicles typically increases. Their goal is to gather 100 scrapped cars by the end of March to generate funds for their operations through the sale of recyclable components.

The Japan Car Sharing Association has facilitated over 10,000 car rentals across 32 disaster events since it was founded, accepting donations of both usable cars and scrapped vehicles. The latter is especially valuable as the funds from selling recyclable parts contribute significantly to the association's financial resources, bolstered by public and private donations. This initiative highlights the importance of community support in ongoing recovery efforts and aims to enhance the association's ability to aid disaster survivors.

The association's targets for the current fundraising drive are reinforced by partnerships with recycling companies, which contribute additional funds for each scrapped car donated. If they meet their goal of 100 cars, they expect to secure approximately 4.2 million yen (around $38,000) for their activities. This campaign not only facilitates practical support for those affected by disasters but also encourages individuals to share their personal connections and stories related to the cars they donate, fostering a deeper sense of community engagement during a time of remembrance and reflection on the disaster's impact.