How the car donation process works
Start your West Virginia donation with Appalachian Autos
Begin by sharing basic vehicle information, such as the year, make, model, condition, mileage, and where the vehicle is located in West Virginia. Appalachian Autos helps coordinate the donation for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value in advance, and many donors give because the mission matters more than selling privately. Whether your vehicle is in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Martinsburg, or a smaller mountain community, the process is designed to be simple and donor-friendly.
Schedule your free tow or pickup
After your donation is accepted, a towing partner will contact you to arrange free pickup at a convenient West Virginia location. That may be your home, workplace, apartment lot, repair shop, farm property, or another accessible address. Free towing is available for qualified vehicle donations, so you do not have to pay to move a car that no longer fits your life. Donors often appreciate this step because it removes the hassle of advertising, negotiating with buyers, or paying for storage while still supporting a meaningful cause.
Your vehicle is sold to generate charitable proceeds
Once picked up, the vehicle is processed and sold through the appropriate resale channel. The gross sale price determines important tax paperwork for many donors, especially when the vehicle sells for more than $500. Most importantly for mission-motivated donors, 100-percent of the vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. Those proceeds help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, turning an unused or unwanted vehicle into funding for guidance, outreach, and access to practical resources.
Proceeds fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to support services that help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate challenges and find assistance. This includes helping connect individuals with government benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8 housing assistance, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. For donors who want to understand what kinds of support may be available for themselves, a loved one, or someone in the community, eligibility screening information is available at nhftb.org/finder.
Receive your tax receipt and keep records
Because Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your vehicle donation may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price and is reported to you on IRS Form 1098-C. Keep your receipt, title transfer records, and any follow-up tax documents with your files. Appalachian Autos cannot provide tax advice, so consult a tax professional about your personal situation.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to fund mission services.
Free tow or pickup is available for qualified donations across West Virginia communities.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donations to 501(c)(3) charities are generally tax-deductible for donors who itemize.
People can check potential benefit eligibility through Heritage resources at nhftb.org/finder.