How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a call
Begin by completing the quick Island Wheels online donation form or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic information such as your name, contact details, vehicle year, make, model, approximate condition, and the pickup location in Hawaii, Hawaii. You do not need to know the vehicle value, and the car does not need to be running to begin. This first step simply gives the donation team enough information to open your file and prepare a smooth, no-cost pickup.
A coordinator confirms details within 1-2 business hours
After your request is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator verifies your vehicle information, answers questions, and helps choose a pickup window that works for you. Free pickup is available throughout many Hawaii Island areas, including Hilo neighborhoods, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Keaau, Pahoa, and nearby communities, subject to tow availability. You will also be reminded what paperwork to have ready, especially the title, so the pickup day is quick and comfortable.
A licensed tow truck picks up your vehicle for free
In most metro and accessible service areas, pickup can often happen the same day or the next business day. A licensed tow truck arrives at your home, condo, workplace, repair shop, storage lot, or other agreed location. You do not pay for towing, dispatch, loading, or mileage. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, remove personal belongings, and hand over the keys if available. If your vehicle is parked in a tight driveway, apartment lot, or rural road, tell the coordinator in advance.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow driver leaves, your donated car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle is transported for resale processing. Depending on its age, condition, market demand, and repair needs, it may be sent to auction or to a parts reseller. This helps determine the final sale amount used for tax documentation. You do not have to manage repairs, advertising, buyer calls, test drives, or negotiations. Heritage for the Blind and its donation partners handle the vehicle disposition process.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the net proceeds benefit Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind helps fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also helps connect individuals with public-benefit information, including programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8. If you or someone you know wants to check possible benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder as a helpful starting point.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the vehicle sale is completed, your tax documentation is mailed to you. 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 donation timeline, from initial form to final receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks depending on pickup timing, transport, sale processing, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax advisor about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for eligible vehicle donations in Hawaii, Hawaii and nearby Big Island communities.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after your form or call is received.
Have your signed title ready at pickup; remove personal items and license plates if required locally.
Vehicles may be sold through auction or parts resale, depending on condition and marketability.
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 for $500 or under.