How the car donation process works
You start with a simple donation request
Tell Steel Wheels about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle and where it is located in Columbus Metro. You do not need to know its market value, and you do not need to decide whether it belongs at auction or salvage. Share the basics, such as year, make, model, mileage, condition, title status, and whether it runs. From apartments near Ohio State to driveways in Upper Arlington, Gahanna, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, and Pickerington, the goal is to make the first step easy and transparent.
Free towing is scheduled around your location
After your donation is accepted, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup is available throughout the Columbus area, including central neighborhoods, suburban communities, and many nearby Franklin County locations. You remove personal items, have the title ready when required, and hand the vehicle over to the tow provider. There is no need to repair the car, wash it, or get it running. Even if it has been sitting in a garage, driveway, lot, or curbside space, it can usually be picked up and moved through the donation process.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is evaluated for condition, mileage, age, mechanical status, title, and resale potential. This assessment determines the best way to convert the donation into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. A clean, running vehicle with resale demand is handled differently from a non-running car with major mechanical issues. Donors sometimes assume every donated car is repaired and given away, but that is not the typical model. The priority is to place the vehicle where it can generate the most appropriate sale value for the charity.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. At auction, buyers compete based on the vehicle's actual condition and market demand. This may include used-car dealers, wholesalers, or public buyers, depending on the auction channel. The gross sale price is documented after the sale. For vehicles that sell for over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount used for the charitable vehicle deduction.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may sell for parts
If the car does not run, has serious damage, has very high mileage, or is not practical to resell as transportation, it typically goes to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation failed. Parts, metal, and reusable components can still create value. This is often the most efficient path for older Columbus vehicles that would cost more to repair than they could reasonably sell for. The proceeds from that sale go directly to Heritage for the Blind as revenue supporting its charitable mission.
Proceeds support blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, uses vehicle sale proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your car is not simply removed from your driveway; it is converted into financial support for a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit information and resources. Donors or families who want to check potential eligibility for assistance programs, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related support, can visit nhftb.org/finder for guidance.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, serving blind and visually impaired people.
Free towing is available across Columbus Metro, including city neighborhoods and nearby Franklin County suburbs.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup and assessment by vehicle professionals.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage cars typically sell to licensed salvage or parts buyers to maximize usable value.
For vehicles sold for over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Sale proceeds are revenue for Heritage for the Blind and help fund its services and outreach.