How the car donation process works
You start with a quick Arizona donation request
Tell Desert Wheels about the vehicle you want to donate, including the year, make, model, mileage, condition, and where it is located in Arizona. You do not need to know whether it should go to auction or salvage; that is determined after pickup. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and some specialty vehicles may be accepted. Donors across Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, and other Arizona communities can request free towing. Your donation is made to benefit Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
Free towing is scheduled at a convenient location
Once your donation is submitted, a towing appointment is arranged for a time and place that works for you, whether the vehicle is at home, work, a repair shop, or a relative’s driveway. In Arizona, that might mean a pickup in central Phoenix, a Tucson neighborhood, a Mesa apartment complex, a Chandler business lot, or a Prescott-area residence. The tow is free, and you do not have to pay to move a non-running vehicle. You will receive initial donation documentation when the vehicle is picked up.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is evaluated to determine the best resale channel. This assessment considers condition, mileage, whether it starts and drives, market demand, title status, and whether repair or transport costs would make sense. Desert Wheels does not assume every donated car should be handled the same way. A clean, running commuter car from Tempe may have a different path than a high-mileage truck from rural Arizona or a non-running SUV in Glendale. The goal is to place the vehicle where it can produce the strongest practical return for Heritage for the Blind.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, mechanics, exporters, or individuals looking for used vehicles. Your car is generally not promised to a specific family, and Desert Wheels does not guarantee that it will be repaired and gifted. Instead, the vehicle is sold, and the gross sale price helps determine your tax documentation. For many Arizona donors, auction is the most efficient way to convert an unused car into funding for Heritage for the Blind services.
Non-running vehicles usually go to salvage or parts buyers
If the car does not run, has severe damage, very high mileage, missing parts, or would cost too much to prepare for resale, it typically goes to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation has no value. Parts, metal, and recyclable components can still produce proceeds. A broken-down vehicle in Yuma, an old sedan in Scottsdale, or a damaged minivan in Flagstaff may still help fund Heritage for the Blind. This path also saves you the hassle and expense of arranging disposal yourself.
Sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Heritage for the Blind receives sale proceeds as revenue to help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount used for your tax deduction. Keep that form with your records and consult a tax professional for personal tax guidance.
Key facts about car donation
Running Arizona 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.
Your donated car is not usually gifted directly to a family; sale proceeds fund the mission.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles sold for over $500 generate IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Free tow pickup is available for many donors throughout Arizona communities and suburbs.