How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Your Columbus Metro car donation begins when you complete the short online donation form or call Heritage for the Blind. The form asks for basic contact information, your vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage if known, and where the vehicle is located. You do not need to know every detail before starting; just share what you can. Whether the car is parked near downtown Columbus, OSU, Bexley, Upper Arlington, or a driveway in Canal Winchester, Steel Wheels uses the information to begin arranging your free pickup.
A coordinator calls back within 1–2 business hours
After your request is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1–2 business hours to confirm the vehicle details and schedule pickup. This is your chance to ask questions about the title, keys, access to the vehicle, or timing. The coordinator will work around your schedule and your location, whether the vehicle is at home, work, a repair shop, an apartment lot, or another accessible spot in the Columbus Metro. Pickup is free, and you are never charged for towing, processing, or handling.
A licensed tow truck picks up the vehicle for free
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on availability and your schedule. The driver will confirm the vehicle, collect the signed title, and load the car, truck, van, or SUV. You should remove personal items, take off license plates if required, and have the title ready for signature. The donor signs the title over at pickup, so the transfer can be properly documented before the vehicle leaves your Columbus-area location.
Your vehicle is transported for resale or parts recovery
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to an auction or parts reseller. Running cars may be sold through auction channels, while non-running or higher-mileage vehicles may be evaluated for parts or salvage value. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into support for Heritage for the Blind as efficiently as possible. You do not need to repair, clean, or pass emissions testing before donating. From a commuter car in Gahanna to an unused SUV in Grove City, the next step is handled for you.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s mission
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your unused vehicle can become more than a driveway problem; it can help support a mission that matters. Steel Wheels keeps the process donor-friendly while Heritage receives the benefit of the sale, with no towing or processing cost deducted from you directly.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the sale is complete, your tax receipt is mailed to the address you provided. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will provide IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The entire process, from initial form to mailed tax paperwork, typically takes about 2–6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction scheduling, and sale processing. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax advisor about your deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free anywhere scheduling is available in the Columbus Metro.
A coordinator usually calls within 1–2 business hours after you submit the form.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is available in most metro areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, when the tow truck arrives.
Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, receives the vehicle sale proceeds.
Tax paperwork is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, acknowledgment at $500 or under.