Empowering Communication, Serving the Community
The Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service (CARS) is dedicated to advancing the art of amateur radio and serving the Chesapeake, Virginia community. As a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible and directly support our mission to provide public service communications, technical education, and emergency readiness.
How to Donate
Help us keep the airwaves open and our community safe. Click the button below to make a secure donation.
Why Your Donation Matters
Amateur radio is more than just a hobby; it is a critical public service. Your generous contributions help us maintain the infrastructure and programs that keep our community connected and safe.
Critical Infrastructure & Repeater Maintenance
We operate and maintain local repeater systems and the W4CAR IT Network. These systems are vital for local communication, providing a reliable backup when traditional cellular and internet infrastructure fails during severe weather or emergencies.
Emergency Communications & Public Safety
CARS members are active participants in:
Skywarn: Providing real-time severe weather reports to the National Weather Service.
C.A.R.E.S. (Chesapeake Amateur Radio Emergency Service): Offering organized communication support to local authorities during disasters.
Community Event Support
We provide safety communications for large-scale local events, such as the
Tour de Cure, ensuring that participants and organizers stay connected across vast distances where cell service may be spotty or overloaded.
Education & The Next Generation
Your support funds our educational initiatives, including:
License Exam Sessions: We host regular Laurel VE sessions to help new hams get licensed for free.
Equipment Loaner Program: We are building a library of radios to loan to new hams, removing the cost barrier to entry and helping them get on the air immediately.