How the car donation process works
Start With the 2-Minute Form or Call Heritage
Begin by completing Wheel of Hope's quick online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind. You will share basic details such as your name, contact information, vehicle year, make, model, mileage if known, and where the vehicle is located in Providence Metro. Do not worry if the car has not run in months or is parked in a driveway, lot, garage, or curbside space. The goal of this first step is simply to confirm the vehicle and create your pickup request.
A Coordinator Calls Back Within 1-2 Business Hours
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms the vehicle location, asks about access, reviews title details, and helps schedule your free pickup. If you are in Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Warwick, or a surrounding suburb, pickup windows are arranged around local towing availability. This is also the best time to ask questions about keys, plates, title signing, or special access instructions.
Your Vehicle Is Picked Up for Free
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your home, workplace, repair shop, storage location, or other approved pickup spot. In most metro areas, including much of Providence Metro, same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available, depending on schedule and vehicle access. There is no towing fee, removal fee, or hidden charge to you. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, hand over the keys if available, and the driver loads the vehicle. You do not need to clean or repair it first.
Your Donation Is Transported for Sale
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an auction facility, parts reseller, or other resale channel based on its condition. A running sedan from the East Side, an older SUV in Johnston, a van in Warwick, or a damaged car in Pawtucket may each be handled differently to help determine the appropriate sale path. You do not manage this part yourself. Heritage for the Blind's donation program handles the logistics after pickup so the vehicle can move toward sale.
Sale Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Your donated car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle helps fund charitable services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects people with resources that may help them check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other benefits. Donors or families who want to explore benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder for more information.
Your Tax Receipt Is Mailed After the Vehicle Sells
Your tax paperwork is mailed after the vehicle is sold. 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 process from donation request to sale and mailed receipt typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction schedules, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records, and ask a tax professional how the donation may apply to your situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for donors throughout Providence Metro and nearby Rhode Island communities.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after you submit the donation request.
You sign the title at pickup; the driver and coordinator explain the required steps.
The entire process typically takes 2-6 weeks from request to mailed tax receipt.
Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C; $500 or under receive written acknowledgment.
There is no cost to donate, tow, process, or complete the vehicle transfer.