How the car donation process works
Start with a mission-driven donation
When you donate through Desert Wheels, your vehicle supports Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. The goal is straightforward: convert your unwanted vehicle into funding for services that help people who are blind or visually impaired. Instead of selling privately, meeting buyers, or paying for repairs on a vehicle you no longer need, you can choose a charitable path that creates mission impact and gives you proper donation documentation.
Schedule free pickup anywhere in Arizona
After you provide basic vehicle information, Desert Wheels helps arrange a free tow at a time that works for you. Pickup is available across Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, Flagstaff, Yuma, and surrounding suburbs and neighborhoods. In most cases, your vehicle does not need to be running. The towing provider will guide you through the handoff, collect the vehicle, and help make the process simple from driveway, apartment lot, workplace, or repair shop.
Your vehicle is sold to generate proceeds
Once picked up, the vehicle is processed for sale through the appropriate resale or auction channel. The sale price depends on factors such as condition, mileage, age, demand, and market value. Desert Wheels does not invent impact numbers or promise a specific sale amount. Instead, the important commitment is this: 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for blind and visually impaired Americans.
Proceeds help fund real assistance connections
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including help connecting individuals with government benefit programs. These may include SSI or SSDI, LIHEAP energy assistance, Section 8 housing support, Medicare Extra Help, Medicaid, and other available resources. Donors who want to check eligibility for assistance programs for themselves or someone they care about can visit nhftb.org/finder to explore benefit options.
Receive the tax documents you need
Because Heritage for the Blind is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your vehicle donation may be tax deductible if you itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. Keep your donation records and consult a tax professional for guidance about your personal return. Desert Wheels helps make sure the required donation documentation is handled properly.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Free towing is available for donors throughout Arizona communities and suburbs.
Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C for tax documentation.
Donors can check benefit eligibility at nhftb.org/finder for available assistance programs.
Proceeds support services for blind and visually impaired Americans, including benefit connections.