How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or call Heritage for the Blind
Begin by completing the quick Appalachian Autos donation form or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details such as your name, contact information, vehicle location, year, make, model, condition, and title status. You do not need to know the vehicle's value or make repairs before donating. Donors across West Virginia, from South Charleston and Teays Valley to Fairmont, Clarksburg, and the Eastern Panhandle, can start the same way. Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, uses this information to arrange pickup and process your donation correctly.
A donation coordinator calls within 1 to 2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1 to 2 business hours to confirm the details and schedule your free pickup. This call is your chance to ask practical questions: where the vehicle is parked, whether it starts, who will be present, and what title documents are needed in West Virginia. The coordinator will help choose a pickup window that fits your schedule. There is no towing fee, processing fee, or hidden charge, whether the vehicle is running, not running, parked at home, or located at a shop.
A licensed tow truck picks up the vehicle for free
In most West Virginia metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day after scheduling. Pickup is often available in and around Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Beckley, Martinsburg, and surrounding suburbs. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, remove personal items, and hand the keys to the driver if available. The driver provides pickup documentation, then loads the vehicle and hauls it away at no cost to you. You do not have to clean, detail, or repair the vehicle first.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
After pickup, the donated car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle is transported to an auction, recycler, or parts reseller. The goal is to turn the vehicle into the highest practical proceeds based on its age, condition, mileage, demand, and local resale options. Some West Virginia vehicles are sold as transportation, while others may be best suited for parts or salvage. You do not manage this step. Appalachian Autos and Heritage for the Blind coordinate the sale process so your donation can be converted into support for the mission.
Sale proceeds support services for people with vision loss
Once the vehicle sells, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you or someone you know also needs help checking possible benefit programs, Heritage connects people with resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance information. Donors can visit nhftb.org/finder to explore benefit eligibility resources while completing or considering a donation.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the vehicle is sold, your tax documentation is prepared and mailed. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind sends IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from donation start to mailed tax receipt, typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale scheduling, and mail delivery. Keep your title transfer paperwork, pickup documentation, and mailed tax receipt with your records, and consult a tax professional about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included anywhere pickup is available in West Virginia; you pay nothing out of pocket.
Most metro pickups can be scheduled for same-day or next-business-day service after coordinator confirmation.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, following the coordinator's West Virginia title instructions.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
The complete donation-to-receipt timeline usually runs 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish.