How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Begin by completing the short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details: your name, Greenville Metro pickup location, contact information, vehicle year, make, model, condition, and whether you have the title available. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value, and it does not have to be running to start the process. This first step is simply how Heritage confirms the vehicle and creates your donation record. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted or your call is received, a donation coordinator typically follows up within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms the vehicle details, answers questions, and helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you. If your car is parked at home, work, an apartment lot, a repair shop, or a family member’s driveway, let the coordinator know. Greenville-area pickups can often be arranged around your schedule, including locations throughout the Greenville Metro suburbs and nearby Upstate communities.
A licensed tow truck picks up your vehicle for free
In most metro areas, including much of Greenville, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on availability and location. There is no towing charge to you. At pickup, you will sign the title over according to South Carolina title instructions, and the driver may provide a pickup receipt or confirmation. Remove personal items, take off your license plate if required, and have your keys and title ready. The tow company then loads the vehicle and handles the transport from your location.
Your vehicle is sent to auction or a parts reseller
After pickup, 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 be directed to a parts reseller if that creates the best practical return. You do not need to repair, detail, inspect, or advertise the vehicle yourself. Heritage’s donation process is built to remove the hassle from donors while still converting the vehicle into support for the charitable mission.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s mission
When the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The exact selling price is determined by the market, vehicle condition, demand, and the sale channel. Your role is simple: donate the vehicle, sign the title, and let the donation team handle the logistics from pickup through sale.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Once the vehicle sells, Heritage mails your tax documentation. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from initial donation to mailed tax receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction schedule, and mail delivery. Keep the receipt with your tax records and speak with a tax professional about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no towing charge, service fee, or pickup cost to you at any point.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in many Greenville Metro locations, depending on tow scheduling.
You usually sign the South Carolina vehicle title over at the time of pickup.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
Most donors complete the donation-to-receipt process in about 2-6 weeks.
Heritage also connects people with benefits information at nhftb.org/finder, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8.