How the car donation process works
Start With the 2-Minute Form or a Phone Call
Begin by completing the short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details about the vehicle, such as year, make, model, general condition, location, and whether you have the Pennsylvania title. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value, and you do not need to pay anything to get started. Donors across Pennsylvania—from South Philly rowhome blocks to suburban driveways in Cranberry Township or West Chester—can begin in just a few minutes. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
A Coordinator Calls Back to Schedule Your Free Pickup
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms the vehicle location, asks a few practical pickup questions, and helps schedule a tow time that works for you. Pickup is free, whether the vehicle is running or not. You can often choose a home, office, repair shop, apartment lot, or another accessible location. If you are in a busy area like Center City Philadelphia, Oakland in Pittsburgh, or downtown Harrisburg, the coordinator may also confirm parking access and tow-truck clearance.
The Tow Truck Arrives and You Sign Over the Title
In most Pennsylvania metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on driver availability and your schedule. At pickup, you should have the vehicle title ready, along with keys if available. The donor signs the Pennsylvania title over at pickup, and the driver removes the vehicle at no cost. If you are unsure where to sign, ask the coordinator before pickup so you do not accidentally mark the title incorrectly. The tow is free, and there is no hidden charge for removal.
Your Vehicle Goes to Auction or a Parts Reseller
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Many donated cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles are sent to auction; others may go to a parts reseller if that is the best route based on condition, age, mileage, or drivability. You do not need to handle repairs, advertising, buyer calls, test drives, or price negotiations. Penn Heritage Rides and Heritage for the Blind manage the back-end process so your unwanted vehicle can be converted into support for the mission.
Sale Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind’s Mission
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. That is the heart of the donation: a car you no longer need can become meaningful support for a nonprofit mission. Heritage also connects people with information about benefit programs that may help with everyday needs. Donors or community members who want to check eligibility for resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related programs can visit nhftb.org/finder.
Your Tax Receipt Is Mailed After the Vehicle Sells
After the sale is complete, your tax receipt is mailed to you. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process, from initial contact through sale and mailed receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks. Your actual tax benefit depends on your individual situation, so you may want to speak with a tax professional. There is no cost to you at any step of the donation process.
Key facts about car donation
Pennsylvania vehicle pickup is free, whether your car runs, needs repairs, or has been sitting unused.
A donation coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after you submit the form or call.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is available in most Pennsylvania metro areas when scheduling allows.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, so have the Pennsylvania title ready if possible.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale, including IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles sold over $500.
There is no cost to donate: no towing fee, no processing fee, and no required repairs.