How the car donation process works
You start with a simple Ohio donation request
When you choose Buckeye Auto Gifts, you share basic vehicle details such as the year, make, model, mileage, condition, title status, and pickup location. Whether the car is parked in a Cleveland driveway, a Columbus apartment lot, a Cincinnati suburb, or a rural Ohio property, the goal is to make the process easy. There is no need to repair, detail, or advertise the vehicle yourself. Once your donation is accepted, a free tow is scheduled at a time that works for you.
Your vehicle is picked up for free and assessed
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed to determine the best sale path. This assessment looks at whether it starts, drives, has major mechanical issues, has body damage, carries high mileage, or may be more valuable as parts or scrap. Donors often ask if the vehicle is automatically handed to a family in need; in most cases, it is sold instead. That sale creates proceeds for Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446), which uses donation revenue to support services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. This gives buyers a chance to bid based on the vehicle’s condition and market value. Auction is often the most practical way to turn a usable Ohio vehicle into mission-supporting revenue quickly and transparently. The higher the gross sale price, the more proceeds can support Heritage for the Blind programs for blind and visually impaired Americans.
Non-running vehicles may be sold for parts or salvage
If the vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has severe damage, or would cost too much to repair, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation failed. A car sitting unused in a garage in Parma, a driveway in Beavercreek, or a lot in Canton can still create value. Parts, recyclable materials, and salvage resale can generate proceeds that go to Heritage for the Blind instead of leaving the vehicle unused.
Sale proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind
Once the donated vehicle is sold, the proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. The vehicle sale is the revenue event that supports Heritage’s work serving people who are blind or visually impaired. For vehicles that sell for over $500, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price, and you receive IRS Form 1098-C for your records. Always keep your documents and consult a tax professional for personal tax guidance.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for accepted vehicle donations throughout Ohio, including major cities, suburbs, and many rural areas.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to a public or dealer auction after pickup.
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 organization with EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Heritage also connects people with benefits resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8.