How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a phone call
Begin by completing the secure Wheels of Hope online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, location, running condition, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle value or arrange anything yourself. Donors across the Charleston Metro can start from home, work, a repair shop, storage lot, or another accessible location. Once your request is submitted, Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, begins coordinating your free pickup.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form or call is received, a pickup coordinator typically contacts you within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms the vehicle location, asks a few title and access questions, and helps choose a pickup window that works for you. This is also the best time to mention details like a gated community, parking garage clearance, narrow Charleston street, apartment complex, or whether the vehicle is in a driveway, curbside space, or mechanic’s lot. You will not be asked to pay a towing fee or donation processing fee.
A licensed tow truck arrives for free pickup
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can pick up the vehicle the same day or the next business day, depending on scheduling and location. Free towing is available throughout the Charleston Metro, including downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Hanahan, Daniel Island, and surrounding communities. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed and hand over the keys if available. Remove personal belongings, license plates if required, and any toll transponders or parking passes before the driver loads the vehicle.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
After pickup, your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or boat is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Depending on condition, age, market demand, and repairability, the vehicle may go to auction or to a parts reseller. You do not need to repair, clean, advertise, or negotiate the sale. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into charitable proceeds as efficiently as possible. Wheels of Hope and Heritage for the Blind manage the post-pickup process so you are not dealing with buyers or paperwork follow-up.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
When the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Your donation helps fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. That means an unwanted or unused vehicle in the Charleston Metro can become meaningful support for a mission-driven charity without creating extra work for you. Because the vehicle is handled through the donation program, you avoid private-sale hassles, towing costs, classified listings, test drives, and buyer negotiations.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your tax receipt. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from your initial donation request to mailed tax paperwork, typically takes about 2-6 weeks. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific deduction. The important part for donors: there is no cost to you at any step.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout the Charleston Metro, including many neighborhoods, suburbs, workplaces, and repair shops.
No payment, donation fee, or towing charge is due from you at any point.
Most metro pickups can be scheduled for same-day or next-business-day service after your coordinator callback.
Sign the title at pickup; the licensed tow driver will confirm basic handoff details before loading.
Tax receipt is mailed after sale; vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C from Heritage.
The entire process typically takes 2-6 weeks from donation request to mailed tax paperwork in many cases.