How the car donation process works
You schedule a free pickup in the Charleston Metro
Start by submitting your vehicle donation through Wheels of Hope. Free towing is available across the Charleston Metro, including Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, Hanahan, Goose Creek, and Summerville. You do not have to drive the vehicle anywhere, and non-running vehicles may still qualify. Once your donation is accepted, a licensed towing partner contacts you to arrange a convenient pickup window. You will typically need the vehicle title and basic information about the car’s condition so the donation can be processed correctly.
After pickup, the vehicle is assessed
Your donated car is not automatically handled the same way as every other vehicle. After pickup, donation processing partners assess it for running condition, mileage, age, market demand, body condition, mechanical issues, and whether repairs would make financial sense. This assessment helps determine the best resale path for the vehicle. The goal is not to create confusion or delay. It is to turn your donation into the strongest practical proceeds for Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446), so your unused car can help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to auction
If your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or RV is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. This is common for vehicles that still have market value but are not being transferred directly to a new owner by the charity. At auction, buyers compete based on the vehicle’s condition and demand. When the vehicle sells, the gross sale price is documented, and the proceeds become charitable revenue for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN 58-2164446.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
If your donated vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has major mechanical problems, or would cost more to repair than it is likely to bring at auction, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean your donation is wasted. A car that is not safe or practical for resale can still generate proceeds through parts, scrap, or salvage value. For many Charleston-area donors, this is a simple way to turn an old driveway vehicle into funding for Heritage for the Blind’s mission.
The proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Wheels of Hope donations benefiting Heritage for the Blind are generally converted into cash support rather than given directly to a family. That cash support matters because sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind as revenue for its charitable work serving blind and visually impaired Americans. Heritage also connects people with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other programs; donors or community members can visit nhftb.org/finder to check potential eligibility. Your vehicle’s next stop may be an auction lane or parts buyer, but its purpose is mission support.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout Charleston Metro, including Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, and nearby communities.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically move to public or dealer auction after Heritage’s donation partners assess them.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically sell to licensed salvage or parts buyers, not informal scrappers.
Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) is a 501(c)(3); vehicle sale proceeds are charitable revenue.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.