SACO — This Saturday, motorists can have their cars washed and donate to an organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence.

The city’s police and fire departments are hosting a car wash on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at Bob & Mike’s Mini Mart, 4 Elm St.

The police chief, deputy police chiefs as well as firefighters, police officers, police explorers and junior firefighters will be on hand, washing vehicles in exchange for a donation to Caring Unlimited. Those who wish just to make a donation can do that, too.

Money donated to Caring Unlimited goes toward direct services for victims of domestic violence, including emergency shelter, support and education groups, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline, according to Emily Gormley, public awareness and community support coordinator for Caring Unlimited.

Deputy Police Chief Raynald Demers said he came up with the idea, and asked the fire department to join in.

The recent murder-suicide case on Water Street that left a family of five, including three children, dead, was traumatic for police officers who responded to the call, said Demers. He said after the tragic event, local public safety officials wanted to do something to help Caring Unlimited, an organization to which both police and fire departments reach out in domestic violence cases.

“It was one of those things you look at and say, ”˜What can we do to help and make a difference?’” said Demers.

For more information on Caring Unlimited, go to www.caring-unlimited.org.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.