How the car donation process works
You donate and schedule a free Albany-area tow
Start by giving Capital Wheels basic information about your vehicle, including the year, make, model, mileage, location, and whether it runs. We help arrange free towing at a convenient time, whether the car is parked near Washington Park, in a Colonie driveway, behind a Troy apartment, or at a repair shop in Schenectady. You do not need to make repairs or clean the vehicle to showroom condition. The goal is simple: remove an unwanted car at no cost to you and prepare it for the best resale path.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for condition, mileage, title status, drivability, market demand, and likely resale value. This assessment helps determine whether the car should be sent to a public or dealer auction, offered through a resale channel, or sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. Heritage for the Blind does not promise that every car will be repaired or placed with a family. Instead, each donated vehicle is directed toward the route expected to produce the strongest net benefit for the charity’s mission.
Running vehicles often go to auction
If your donated car runs and appears to be in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow qualified buyers to compete for the vehicle, which can help establish a fair market sale price. This is common for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that still have practical value for another owner or dealer. Once the vehicle sells, the gross sale price is documented and the proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, to support its charitable work.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
If your vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, severe mechanical issues, collision damage, or limited resale demand, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean your donation is wasted. Vehicles that are not practical to repair can still generate value through usable parts, recyclable materials, or salvage resale. For many older Albany-area cars that have weathered Capital District winters, this is the most responsible and cost-effective way to turn an unwanted vehicle into charitable proceeds.
Proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Whether your car sells at auction or through a salvage buyer, the sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446, and those proceeds are revenue used to fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other support programs. Donors or families seeking eligibility information can visit nhftb.org/finder.
You receive tax documentation after the sale
After the vehicle is sold, you receive the documentation needed for your records. If the gross sale price is more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, which generally allows your tax deduction to equal the vehicle’s gross sale price. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, different IRS rules may apply. Capital Wheels cannot provide tax advice, so you should consult a qualified tax professional if you have questions about your specific deduction, filing status, or required forms.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for donated vehicles throughout Albany and the broader Capital District.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Sale proceeds are Heritage for the Blind revenue used to support blind and visually impaired people.
Vehicles selling for over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.