The Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut is asking individuals and companies to donate unwanted cars or boats with a free tow and a $500 tax reduction to benefit the children and their programs.

The southeastern Connecticut club is one of 16 in the state serving children ages 6 to 18 in a variety of programs.

"Our mission is to help kids reach their fullest potential, especially those who need us most. We feel that the Boys and Girls Club could be a major part of the solution with the issues with youth today. We want to be part of the solution. One of the ways we can do this is through this car program," said Joe Siegel, the chief professional officer of the club.

Here is how it works: If you have an unwanted car or boat, call (800) 407-2600 and say that you want to donate your car to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut. The vehicle will get towed for free, and according to Siegel, there is a minimum of a $500 tax reduction. If the club sells the car at an auction, the owner of the car will be given the proper paperwork to qualify for a higher tax reduction.

Money made from this program will be put towards aiding the local children in the club.

"We serve around 300 plus children and our goal is to double that. This will help us meet this mission," Siegel said.

According to Siegel, the club had to shut down a lot of its programs in the Groton area due to the recession. With the money raised, they will be able to reach out to more children here who will then be able to "reach their fullest potential so they can have great lives. It's a win-win program."