How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a call
Begin by completing the quick online form for Palmetto Wheels Exchange or calling Heritage for the Blind’s donation team. You will be asked for basic contact information, the vehicle year, make, model, location, and general condition. You do not need to know every mechanical detail. If it has been parked in a driveway in West Ashley, sitting near Five Points in Columbia, or stored outside Greenville, just share what you know. This first step simply gives the coordinator enough information to arrange a free pickup and explain your title-signing instructions.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms the pickup address, your preferred contact method, the vehicle’s access, and whether the keys and title are available. They will also answer questions before you commit to a tow time, so you are never left guessing. South Carolina donors often schedule pickup from homes, apartments, repair shops, storage lots, offices, or family properties. The coordinator’s job is to make the next step easy, practical, and clearly explained.
Free pickup is scheduled at your South Carolina location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your vehicle, and same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas when scheduling allows. This commonly includes areas around Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Summerville. You pay nothing for towing. Before pickup, gather your South Carolina title, keys if you have them, and a valid ID. At the pickup, you sign the title over as instructed. If you are unsure where to sign, wait for the driver or coordinator’s guidance.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow is complete, your donated vehicle is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Depending on its age, mileage, condition, and market demand, it may be offered through auction or sent to a parts reseller. Running cars, non-running vehicles, older work trucks, storm-damaged vehicles, and cars with expensive repair needs may all be handled differently. You do not need to arrange repairs, detailing, advertising, or buyer meetings. Palmetto Wheels Exchange and the donation processing team manage the logistics after pickup so the vehicle can be sold.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind helps fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also connects people with benefit information, including programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8. If you or someone you know wants to check potential benefit eligibility, visit nhftb.org/finder. Your car donation helps support that broader mission without adding any towing or processing cost to you.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Your tax documentation is mailed after the sale is processed. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process, from initial form to mailed tax receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction scheduling, sale processing, and mail delivery. Keep the receipt with your tax records, and speak with your tax advisor about how vehicle donation rules apply to your personal filing situation.
Key facts about car donation
Your donation starts with a quick online form or a call to Heritage for the Blind.
Pickup is free across South Carolina, with same-day or next-business-day towing in many metro areas.
Have your South Carolina title, keys, and a valid ID ready when the tow driver arrives.
Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, is the 501(c)(3) charity receiving proceeds from your vehicle.
Tax paperwork is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
No towing, auction, or processing fee is charged to you at any point in the process.