I would tow it to the dealer and use it as a trade in on a new General Motors Product good luck hope it helps.

Don't beleive what one mechanic says, get a second opinion, and transmissions usually last 280,00 miles with maintanece.

If you do donate it, please donate to purple heart if it meets their criteria.. If you are a vet or ex military then try to go buy yourself a new one. you deserve it!
God bless America where we have these problems instead of real ones! Remeber lots of heroes dies so we could have petty problems. (not to minimize your car problems , just making a point)
Even though you say you have no car knowledge you are capable, first by wanting to donate to purple.. Just donate the car and then I assure you a good vehicle will come into your possesion..

i think id donate that one ,i believe its has paid for its self from driving it,if you aren't real careful on that one you could sink a lot of money in to it,and it still not be right,its almost ten years old also,so i think id donate it,that would be a good thing to do ,I'm sure you can find a lot nicer,and newer one to drive ,and one that has a lot less miles on it also,good luck with it,hope this helps.