RICHMOND, VA – CarMax, Inc., a retailer of used cars, announced CarMax Laurel Toyota has donated more than $50,000 to Laurel, Md. area nonprofit organizations.

“We are proud to support these worthwhile organizations,” said Ted Neale, location general manager of CarMax Laurel Toyota. “Whether it's helping the homeless, saving endangered animals and abandoned pets, or empowering young people to succeed, these programs are changing our community for the better.”

The Laurel, Maryland area organizations include:

• Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service - $20,976 to assist the homeless and those experiencing financial crisis, as well promote long-term financial stability. The organization also hosts the annual 5K Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving; CarMax is the 2009 title sponsor.
  

  
  

• Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - $7,500 to help the center continue adopting Whooping Cranes, an endangered species, and spread awareness about environmental protection. The money will also help to fund the annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show and Sale.
  

  
  

• First Generation College Bound - $5,000 for a program that helps low income students in the Baltimore area prepare for college. The donation also provides funding for the Riverfest 5K in October and provides tutoring and mentoring facilities for the students.
  

  
  

• Elkridge Hurricanes - $5,000 for the Mid-Maryland Youth Football & Cheerleading League (MMYFCL) that brings youth together and provides opportunities to build relationships and learn teamwork.
  

  
  

• Fidos for Freedom - $5,000 for a dog training center that provides trained service dogs, hearing dogs and therapy dogs to those in need. The donation will support training, sheltering and feeding the dogs until they are placed with an individual or family in need.
  

  
  

• Community Animal Rescue and Adoption - $4,000 to help with the costs of animal rescue services, cat neutering and spaying and finding suitable owners for abandoned animals.

  
  

• Friends of the Laurel Library- $3,500 for the Laurel Library to bring authors in to provide writing tips and discuss their books. The money will also help fund the summer reading program for children and family game nights throughout the summer.