How the car donation process works
You Start the Donation and Schedule Free Pickup
Your donation begins when you contact Island Wheels with basic details about your vehicle, such as the year, make, model, condition, mileage, and where it is located in Hawaii, Hawaii. You do not need to know whether it should be auctioned, repaired, or scrapped; that decision comes later. Once your donation is accepted, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup may be available across the Big Island, including Hilo, Kona, Waimea, Pahoa, Keaau, Ocean View, and surrounding communities.
The Vehicle Is Picked Up and Documented
At pickup, the towing provider collects the donated car and confirms key information. This helps protect you and ensures the vehicle can move through the resale process properly. In Hawaii, where vehicles may be parked at homes, condos, farms, workplaces, or repair shops, clear access and title paperwork help the tow go smoothly. You will receive donation documentation, and the vehicle is then moved to the next appropriate location for review. The goal is simple: handle the car responsibly and turn it into funding for Heritage for the Blind.
Running Cars Typically Go to Auction
After pickup, the vehicle is assessed for condition and resale potential. If your car runs, has marketable value, and appears suitable for resale, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. That auction process helps establish the gross sale price in a transparent way. Island vehicles vary widely, from daily drivers in Kailua-Kona to older trucks in Waimea or commuter cars in Hilo, so each vehicle is evaluated on its own condition. The purpose is to secure a reasonable sale result that benefits Heritage for the Blind.
Non-Running Vehicles Usually Go to Salvage or Parts Buyers
If the donated vehicle does not run, has severe mechanical problems, body damage, missing parts, or very high mileage, it typically is not the best candidate for regular auction resale. In those cases, it may be sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers. That can still create value from the donation, even if the car is no longer practical to repair. This is especially helpful for donors with cars that have been sitting in driveways, storage areas, or repair lots around Hawaii, Hawaii and nearby Big Island communities.
Proceeds Fund Heritage for the Blind Services
Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, is a real 501(c)(3) charity, and the sale proceeds from donated vehicles are revenue for the organization. Those proceeds help fund services for blind and visually impaired Americans. Heritage also connects people with information about benefit programs, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other resources. If you or someone you know wants to check benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your unused vehicle becomes practical support for a mission that helps people navigate life with vision loss.
You Receive Tax Documentation After the Sale
Once the vehicle is sold, the final gross sale price determines your donation receipt details. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, which reports the gross sale price for your tax records. In that situation, your charitable deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price shown on the form, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. Keep your paperwork, and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming the deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for eligible donated vehicles in Hawaii, Hawaii and nearby Big Island communities.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle sale revenue to support blind and visually impaired Americans.