How the car donation process works
You schedule a free Dayton Metro pickup
Start by telling Gem City Rides about your vehicle and where it is located in the Dayton area. Pickup is available for many cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles, whether they run or not. Donors often arrange towing from home driveways, apartment lots, repair shops, storage locations, or family properties in neighborhoods such as Oregon District, Belmont, Five Oaks, North Dayton, Oakwood, Riverside, and Miamisburg. The tow is free, and you do not have to repair, clean, or advertise the vehicle before donating.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After the vehicle is picked up, it is reviewed to determine the best resale path. The assessment looks at factors such as whether it starts, whether it can be driven safely, its age, mileage, body condition, mechanical issues, title status, and overall market demand. This step helps ensure the vehicle is handled in a way that can produce meaningful proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. You do not need to guess whether your car is “good enough.” Older, damaged, non-running, and high-mileage vehicles may still have value.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated car is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, repair businesses, and individuals looking for vehicles they can use, resell, or improve. The goal is to sell the vehicle through an appropriate marketplace where competitive bidding can determine its value. For many Dayton donors, this is the easiest way to turn an unused vehicle into support for people who are blind or visually impaired without handling listings, calls, test drives, or paperwork on their own.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
If your vehicle is not running, has very high mileage, needs major repairs, or is unlikely to do well at auction, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation failed. Engines, transmissions, wheels, catalytic converters, body panels, and other usable components may still create value. Even vehicles that have been sitting for years in a driveway, garage, or lot around the Dayton Metro can sometimes generate proceeds through responsible salvage channels.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the gross sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds are revenue for Heritage and help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind also connects people with benefit information and assistance resources, including programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8. Donors or families who want to check benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder.
You receive the tax paperwork you need
Your donation may be tax-deductible if you itemize, and your deduction is generally based on how the vehicle is used or sold under IRS rules. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price. That gross sale price is typically the amount used for the donor’s deduction. Keep the form with your tax records and consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Dayton and nearby Miami Valley communities.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C with the gross sale price.
You do not need to repair, detail, advertise, or meet buyers before donating your vehicle.