How the car donation process works
Start with a 2-minute form or call
Your Dayton car donation begins with a short online form through Gem City Rides or a direct call to Heritage for the Blind. You will share basic details: your name, contact information, vehicle year, make, model, general condition, title status, and pickup address. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value or arrange transportation yourself. If the car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or RV has been sitting in a driveway, garage, lot, or curbside space, that is okay. The goal of this step is simply to confirm the donation details and get your free pickup moving.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. They confirm the vehicle information, answer your questions, and help schedule a pickup time that works for you. Dayton Metro donors often ask whether they need to be present, what paperwork is required, and whether there is any towing fee. The coordinator will explain what to have ready, including the title and keys if available. This is also the right time to mention gate codes, apartment parking details, tight alleys, workplace pickup, or special access instructions.
Free pickup is scheduled in the Dayton Metro
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your location, usually same-day or next business day in most metro areas. Pickups can often be arranged from homes, offices, repair shops, storage lots, or apartment communities throughout Dayton and surrounding suburbs such as Vandalia, West Carrollton, Englewood, Moraine, and Springboro. There is no cost to you for towing at any point. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, remove personal belongings, take off your plates if required, and hand over the keys if you have them.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow is complete, the vehicle is transported to a sale channel based on its age, condition, mileage, and marketability. Many donated vehicles go to auction, while others may be directed to a parts reseller or similar buyer. You do not need to meet the buyer, negotiate a price, or handle any resale steps yourself. Heritage for the Blind’s donation process is designed to remove the hassle from donating an unwanted vehicle while still turning that vehicle into support for charitable services.
Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. The donation can also connect people with information about benefit programs. If you, a loved one, or someone in your community wants to check eligibility for resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, or related assistance, visit nhftb.org/finder.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
Your tax documentation is prepared after the vehicle sells. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full timeline from initial donation to mailed tax receipt is typically 2-6 weeks, depending on towing, processing, sale timing, and mail delivery. Keep the receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a charitable deduction.
Key facts about car donation
The online donation form takes about two minutes and starts your free Dayton Metro pickup request.
A coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule towing.
There is no towing cost to the donor at any step of the donation process.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, following the coordinator’s title instructions.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, acknowledgment for $500 or under.
The complete donation-to-receipt timeline is usually 2-6 weeks from start to finish.