How the car donation process works
Start your Dayton car donation with a simple request
When you are ready to donate, Gem City Rides helps you begin with a quick vehicle donation request. You provide basic information about the vehicle, where it is located in the Dayton Metro, and the best way to reach you. Donors often give vehicles they no longer drive, cars with repair issues, older trucks, extra family vehicles, or inherited vehicles. You do not need to understand the resale market or handle advertising, buyers, or paperwork alone. The donation process is designed to be practical, respectful, and focused on helping Heritage for the Blind turn your vehicle into mission support.
Schedule free pickup anywhere in the Dayton Metro
After your donation is accepted, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup may be available throughout Dayton neighborhoods and nearby communities such as Oakwood, Riverside, Englewood, Vandalia, Moraine, West Carrollton, Xenia, Tipp City, and Springboro. In many cases, the vehicle can be picked up from a home, workplace, apartment lot, repair shop, or storage location. You do not pay for the tow. The goal is to remove the hassle so your unused vehicle can quickly become funding for services that support people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your vehicle is sold and proceeds go to the charity
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale through the appropriate resale channel. The important point for mission-motivated donors is this: 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Your donation is not just a way to clear a driveway or avoid another repair bill. It becomes charitable funding that helps Heritage for the Blind provide information, connections, and services for Americans living with blindness or visual impairment.
Proceeds help connect people with vital benefits
Vehicle proceeds help fund Heritage for the Blind services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including support that connects individuals with government benefit programs. These may include SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, Medicaid, and other assistance programs that can make daily life more manageable. Donors who want to check potential eligibility for assistance programs can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donated vehicle helps support the work behind those connections, giving people a clearer place to start when they are trying to understand available benefits.
Receive your tax documentation after the sale
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, donations may be tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, your deduction generally equals the gross vehicle sale price and is reported using IRS Form 1098-C. Keep your donation records and consult a qualified tax advisor about your specific situation. Gem City Rides makes the donation and pickup process straightforward, while the final tax treatment depends on IRS rules and your individual tax filing.
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 eligible donations throughout the Dayton Metro.
For vehicles sold over $500, IRS Form 1098-C reports the gross sale price.
Donors can check benefit eligibility resources at nhftb.org/finder.
Supported benefit connections may include SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid.