How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by completing the Wheels for Hope online donation form, which usually takes about two minutes, or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will provide basic information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, location, and general condition. You do not need to know every mechanical detail. If the car is in a driveway in North Buffalo, a garage in Williamsville, or parked near a workplace downtown, just share where it can be picked up safely.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is received, a donation coordinator will contact you, typically within 1-2 business hours, to confirm the vehicle details and arrange your free pickup. This call is also your chance to ask questions about the title, license plates, keys, access to the vehicle, or timing. The coordinator will work around your schedule when possible, whether you are in South Buffalo, Lackawanna, Kenmore, Orchard Park, Depew, or elsewhere in the Buffalo-Niagara region.
Free towing is scheduled at your location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to the vehicle, and in most metro areas pickup can happen the same day or the next business day. You do not have to drive the vehicle, wash it, repair it, or pay for towing. At pickup, you sign the title over so the donation can be processed correctly. Please have the signed title ready, remove personal belongings, and take your license plates if New York registration rules require you to return or transfer them.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a parts reseller
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to the appropriate sale channel, usually an auction or a parts reseller, depending on its condition and marketability. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and some non-running vehicles may still have value through resale, parts, or salvage. You do not need to be present after pickup, and you do not negotiate with buyers. The donation program handles the next steps so your vehicle can be converted into proceeds for the nonprofit mission.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation support to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is to turn an unwanted or unused vehicle in the Buffalo-Niagara area into meaningful support for a mission that helps people access information, resources, and assistance connected to vision loss.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
Your tax documentation is mailed after the vehicle sells. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process, from form submission to mailed tax receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction scheduling, and sale processing. Keep the receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for Buffalo-Niagara donors, with no pickup or processing cost to you.
A coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours after your form is submitted.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas when scheduling allows.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, then the program handles the sale process.
Tax receipts are mailed after the vehicle sells, usually within the overall 2-6 week process.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.