How the car donation process works
You start with a simple Vermont donation request
Donating through Green Wheels begins with a few basic details about your vehicle: year, make, model, mileage, running condition, location, and title information. Free towing is available across Vermont, including Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Essex Junction, Montpelier, Barre, Rutland, Brattleboro, Bennington, St. Albans, and surrounding rural communities. You do not need to decide whether the vehicle should be auctioned, repaired, donated to a family, or sold for parts. The vehicle specialists handle that after pickup. Your role is simple: provide accurate information, choose a convenient pickup time, and get ready to support Heritage for the Blind.
Your vehicle is picked up at no cost
Once your donation is scheduled, a licensed towing provider or transport partner arranges pickup at your home, workplace, repair shop, storage location, or other accessible Vermont address. The tow is free to you, whether the vehicle runs or not. Donors often use Green Wheels when a car has failed inspection, is stuck in a driveway through another Vermont winter, has expensive repair needs, or simply is no longer being used. At pickup, you will receive initial paperwork confirming the vehicle was accepted for donation. After the vehicle is removed, it moves into the assessment and sale process.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the donated car is evaluated to determine the best way to generate proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. The assessment may consider whether the vehicle starts, drives, has major mechanical or body issues, has unusually high mileage, or has market demand in the region. Minor preparation may be considered when it could improve resale value, but the goal is not to keep the car in inventory. The goal is to convert your donation into charity revenue as efficiently as possible. This review determines whether the vehicle is routed to auction or to a salvage or parts buyer.
Running vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction
If your donated car is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be offered through a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, repair buyers, or individuals looking for a used vehicle. This is the most common route for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that still have resale value. Green Wheels does not promise a specific sale price, because the final amount depends on market demand, vehicle condition, and bidding activity. When the vehicle sells, the gross proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind as revenue for its charitable work.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles usually go to parts or salvage
Not every donated vehicle is a good auction candidate. If a car does not run, has severe damage, has very high mileage, is missing major components, or would cost more to repair than it is likely to sell for, it is typically routed to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation has no value. Parts, recyclable materials, and salvage demand can still produce proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. For many Vermont donors, this is a practical way to remove an unwanted vehicle for free while still supporting people who are blind or visually impaired.
You receive tax paperwork after the sale
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your vehicle donation may qualify for a tax deduction. If the donated vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount used for your deduction. Keep this form with your tax records and consult a tax advisor for personal guidance. The key point is simple: sale proceeds from your Vermont vehicle become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, and you receive documentation for the completed charitable vehicle donation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available across Vermont, including city neighborhoods, suburbs, small towns, and many rural locations.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup and assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for over $500 generate IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Heritage also connects eligible people with benefit resources at nhftb.org/finder.