When recent tornados devastated many regions of Texas, General Motors immediately stepped up to offer assistance. The GM Foundation has pledged to donate $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity, a charity that relies on volunteers to build homes for those in need.

Many people lost their homes and more to the tornados, but GM's donation will help them on their journey to recovery. According to The New York Times, 10 tornados, possibly more, touched down in northern Texas, claiming at least six lives and leaving hundreds of homes in pieces. While the wind tunnels may have passed, the people of the affected Texas towns have a long journey ahead of them.

"Helping Texas residents rebuild and repair their homes is a critical priority for Habitat for Humanity International in the aftermath of recent tornados," GM Foundation Chairman Selim Bingol, vice president of GM Global Communications and Public Policy, said in a statement. "Through the $500,000 grant from the GM Foundation and the recently donated Chevrolet Express Vans, we are helping the organization immediately provide financial and other important resources to those in need."

If you want to donate to a charitable cause, whether you'd like to keep things local and help out with Sandy recovery efforts or reach other to other states, consider donating your current ride if you were planning to get a new one soon anyway.

You can save more money in your budget to help out by opting to buy a used car instead of a new one. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of affordable, pre-owned makes and models. Plus, every vehicle is backed by CARFAX, making it easy to find a reliable ride that suits your needs without breaking the bank.