Dublin Teen Raises $2,100 Washing Cars, Gives Half To Charity

DUBLIN, CA — A 13-year-old 8th grader at Fallon Middle School has raised a total of $2100 this summer operating his own car wash, and plans to donate $1000 to Open Heart Kitchen.

The project began earlier this summer, when Zayd Badar’s grandfather complained that he was spending too much time on screens. He asked if he could get a summer job, but Zayd replied that he was too young.

“That’s when I thought about car washing and asked my mom if we have a hose I can use. At first, it was just about me making some pocket money but then my mom reminded me that if I’m making money it’s also good to give back to the community. I have always been passionate about supporting homeless and food insecure people,” he told Patch.

That’s how he got the idea to donate 50% of the proceeds of Kindness Car Wash to local charities. He plans to present a $1000 check to Livermore shelter and food bank Open Heart Kitchen at their September 11 gala. In April, he hopes to present a $1000 check to Tri-Valley Haven, a nonprofit and food bank supporting victims of domestic violence, at their annual gala.

Since July 8, Zayd has been washing cars at his home in Dublin, or at other people’s homes if they prefer he come to them. He charges from $15 to $30 depending on the service and location, and puts aside 50% of each sale to donate to charity. As of Wednesday, he has washed about 60 cars and raised $2100.

Zayd is no stranger to community service. Over the holidays, he arranged a holiday wish list for low-income or unhoused students, and created a sign-up function for people to purchase the gifts. The gifts were delivered to his house, and then he wrapped them and took them to DUSD to distribute.

“I am doing this because I wanted to learn entrepreneurship while also learning to give back to my community. Ever since I was young my mom has always done community service projects with me. I also want to show other kids that you are never too young to make an impact in your community. I hope other kids get inspired by my project and do projects that they are passionate about!” he said.

SEE ALSO:

• Dublin Teen Wins Philanthropy Award For Raising Over $30K
• Dublin Teen Donates Thousands To Alameda County Food Bank