How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a call
Begin by completing Gear Up Giving’s quick online car donation form, or call Heritage for the Blind directly to start by phone. You will share basic information: your name, contact details, vehicle year, make, model, general condition, and where the vehicle is located in the Chicago area. You do not need the car to be running to ask about pickup. This first step is designed to be fast, friendly, and pressure-free, so you can ask questions before scheduling anything. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
A coordinator calls back to schedule free pickup
After you submit the form or call, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. They will confirm your vehicle details, answer title or pickup questions, and help choose a convenient pickup window. Free towing is available throughout much of Chicagoland, including Chicago neighborhoods, the near suburbs, and many surrounding metro communities. You can usually schedule pickup from a home, apartment, workplace, repair shop, storage lot, or other accessible location. The coordinator will also explain what to have ready so pickup is smooth when the tow truck arrives.
A licensed tow truck picks up your vehicle
In most metro areas, pickup can often be arranged for the same day or the next business day, depending on availability, vehicle location, and access. A licensed tow truck comes to the location you approved, whether that is a driveway in Beverly, a garage in Logan Square, a lot in Skokie, or a workplace near the Loop. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed. Remove personal belongings and plates if required for your situation, then hand over the keys if you have them. There is no towing charge to you.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or parts
Once your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle is picked up, it is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Depending on the vehicle’s age, condition, mileage, and market demand, it may be sent to auction or to a parts reseller. You do not have to arrange repairs, cleaning, emissions testing, advertising, buyer calls, or negotiations. The goal is to move the donated vehicle through a practical resale process so it can generate charitable proceeds. Gear Up Giving and Heritage for the Blind keep the process straightforward and hands-off for donors.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage uses charitable support to help fund services and outreach for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also helps connect people with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance programs. If you or someone you know wants to check benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your Chicago car donation helps turn an unused vehicle into mission support.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
After your donated vehicle is sold, your tax documentation is mailed to you. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you will receive a written acknowledgment instead. The full donation timeline, from initial form or call to receipt by mail, typically takes about 2-6 weeks because the vehicle must be picked up, processed, sold, and documented. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional for personal deduction questions.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for Chicago donors, with no pickup fee or hidden cost at any step.
A coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours after your form or phone request.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in most Chicagoland metro areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup; the coordinator explains what to have ready.
Tax receipts are mailed after the vehicle sells, usually within a 2-6 week overall process.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.